We covered the difference between executive coaching and leadership coaching and wanted to dive a little deeper into executive coaching. Executive coaching was something that used to be offered almost exclusively in the workplace, but as demand to succeed at work increases and the reconceptualization of what success looks like today–executive coaching has become more popular. It’s not only something that professionals at the workplace, but also outside the workplace.

It’s no surprise that who you are even when you’re outside of work plays an impact on how you are at work and your interpersonal relationships with colleagues or peers. It’s why we leverage a trainee’s DiSC assessment results to learn more about who they are as a whole rather than just focusing on who they are at work.

There is a myriad of benefits to executive coaching, but it strongly has to do with effectively managing people, teams, and organizations. It also includes finding unique ways to build capacity and grow a company efficiently. But no two executive coaches are the same and we think it’s important to test and try coaches until you feel comfortable and challenged at the same time.

In this article, we’ll cover 5 qualities of a successful executive coach and things you should look out for when hiring an executive coach.

1. Start with a Standard Assessment

It is common for an executive coach to begin their coaching process by having their client take an assessment that quantitatively and qualitatively assesses their personality type. This can provide valuable insight into the client's strengths and areas for development, and help guide the coaching process. At Ascend ActionCOACH, we prefer to use the DiSC Assessment to learn about our trainees.

2. Clear Communication and Active Listening
One of the key qualities of a successful executive coach is the ability to communicate clearly and actively listen to their clients. This means that they should be able to clearly explain their coaching process, goals, and expectations, and actively listen to their clients' concerns and feedback. They should also be able to ask insightful questions that help their clients gain clarity and perspective.

3. Comes with a Methodology
A successful executive coach should also come with a methodology or a set of tools and techniques that they use to help their clients achieve their goals. This methodology should be customized to fit the client's specific needs and goals, and should be adaptable to changing circumstances. The coach should be able to clearly explain their methodology and how it will be used in the coaching process.

4. Strong Background and Expertise
It is important to choose an executive coach who has the necessary background and expertise to address the specific challenges and goals of the client. This expertise should include relevant experience in the workplace, as well as a deep understanding of leadership and organizational dynamics. This is crucial to ensure a trainee is given insights and knowledge full of depth.

5. Strong Emotional Intelligence
Emotional intelligence is an essential quality for any successful executive coach. The coach should have a high level of emotional intelligence and be able to effectively read and respond to their client's emotions and needs. They should also be able to create a safe and supportive coaching environment that fosters trust and openness.

6. Personalization In Approach
A successful executive coach should be able to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. They should be able to adapt their coaching style to match the client's personality, communication style, and learning style. This personalized approach can help ensure that the coaching process is effective and produces meaningful results.

Overall, when looking for an executive coach, it is important to find someone with a proven track record of success, the necessary background and expertise, and a coaching style that is a good fit for your personality and goals.