I’m a Leadership Coach: Here's Why It's NOT For Everyone

Hi friends,

Here’s a very popular Google search query: “Is leadership coaching worth it?”

Type this in, and you’ll be flooded with content from executive coaches or coaching agencies.

“...an X% ROI boost through increased productivity and employee retention…”

“...research has found executive coaching positively impacts the leader and the organization…”

It would be a lie to say that all these articles are completely biased. But I feel not enough of them mention that it’s not for everyone.

Having spent 20+ years in the industry, the truth is that it’s definitely not for everyone. And no WORTHWHILE coach will take on ANY paying client.

Why would I say something like this; something that doesn’t serve my professional or financial interests?

Let me explain.

What Exactly Is Executive Coaching?

Lots of first-time clients think of an executive coach as a guide who holds your hand, but I prefer to describe us as people who hold a mirror up to your professional life.?

Coaching in general is about reflection, challenging your perspectives, and yes, it’s about the desire to change.?

There’s a famous quote from Marshal Goldsmith that sums it up nicely:

"How many coaches does it take to change a lightbulb? Just one, but the lightbulb has to want to change."

If you're looking for someone to give you straightforward advice or tell you what to do, then executive coaching might not be right for you.?

But if you're feeling stuck , like something needs to shift for you to advance or to step into a particular role you've been eyeing, then coaching could very well be what you need.

Is Coaching The Answer?

Basically, coaching a conversation focused on your thinking.?

It's about uncovering insights and perspectives that you might not even have considered.?

It’s about identifying and overcoming any internal barriers that hold you back from achieving higher levels of success—but it requires you to be open and willing.?

You’re not going to walk away with a certificate that instantly adds credit to your CV (after you yawn your way through the materials or try to watch all the videos at 1.5X speed ??)?

You need to be ready to engage deeply with your own thought processes, and to challenge often long-held beliefs about:

• Yourself
• Your behaviors
• How your behaviors impact others, and?
• How you operate within your professional context.

So, Is Coaching Worth it For YOU?

I’m a coach, I don’t give answers. I just ask questions , and you find them on your own. Remember? ??

If you’re unsure whether it’s right for you, consider these questions on what we call “readiness for coaching”:

• Do you genuinely want to change, or are you looking for quick fixes?
• Are you open to challenging your assumptions and behaviors?
• Can you commit to the introspective work required to grow?

Dive a Little Deeper

For those on the fence, I recommend picking up Marshal Goldsmith’s book What Got You Here Won’t Get You There.?

It’s a pretty foundational look at what effective coaching can realistically offer. If it strikes a chord with you, then coaching might just be what you need to level up your leadership potential.

(And if you're interested in upping your own coaching skills as a leader, take a look at this article I wrote.)

Over to You

Although I can’t make the call for you, I can help you decide for yourself.?

If you’ve ever come as far as looking up specific coaches, you may even recognize a few items from this list.?

(Hint: Many coaches put use these as “screening questions” to help assess whether you’ll be a good fit):

1. Reflect on Your Willingness: How ready are you to change? Do you see value in exploring new ways of thinking and leading?
2. Assess Your Needs: What gaps do you perceive in your leadership? How might a coach help you address these?
3. Gather Opinions: What have others said about your leadership style? Is there a recurring theme that coaching could help you improve on, like stress management or communication ?

Remember, growing as a leader is just as much about building strength as it is about recognizing and overcoming your limitations.?

Whether or not you decide to work with an executive coach, understanding the role that the process can play is crucial in navigating the complex pathways of professional development.

I'd love to hear some of your answers to these last questions I posed. Shoot me a DM if you'd like and we'll chat!

— Govert