What is an executive coach?

- If you're at a point in your career where you know you're ready to advance or perhaps you feel as though you've encountered a roadblock, you may benefit from working with an executive coach. An executive coach is a professional who works with senior leaders, executives, and managers to help them enhance their leadership skills, improve performance, and achieve professional and personal goals. This usually involves one-on-one sessions where the coach provides strategies tailored to your specific needs. As an executive coach who works with high-performing women in leadership positions, I find that one of the top reasons clients reach out to me is when they're going through some sort of transition. Maybe for example, they recently moved into a higher position and they want some support managing all that comes with this new level of success in their career. Here are some other reasons that you might reach out to an executive coach. Number one, to support you in developing as a leader. If your goal is to continue to grow in your career, an executive coach can help you chart your path. This includes goal-setting, accountability, overcoming challenges, and navigating office politics. Number two, to help you resolve conflict. Whether you're a manager resolving conflict among your team members or you're the team member involved in the conflict, an executive coach can serve as an objective mediator, as well as offer thoughtful solutions that will help you move forward and determine a way to get through this. Number three, managing stress. High-level executives often deal with enormous pressure and struggle with a lack of work-life balance. As an executive coach, they can help you manage stress, establish better boundaries, and ensure you maintain personal wellbeing while you pursue those professional goals. If any of these circumstances resonate with you, an executive coach might be just what you need.