Companies are now asking “can we afford not to use executive coaching?”

How the tables have turned. Just over 50 years ago, the first executive coaches were reportedly introduced to some experimental businesses and were then called “developmental consultants” (Auerbach, 2014). Today however, 79% of medium and large businesses in the UK report that they use executive coaching (Auerbach, 2014). It has in fact become a necessity, much like having a secretary, in that you can do without it but it just means a lot more organizing and headaches on your part.

Executive coaching is definitely not a fad. In fact, it is a movement that is clearly increasing each year, as it is a cost effective method for attaining remarkable results in businesses and teams. Some leaders are still uncertain about the use of executive coaches because they believe that it doesn’t generate immediate bottom line results. However, this is both shortsighted and in no way an indication that it has not increased the business return-on-investment. A study by the International Personal Management Association showed that when executive coaching was added to their training program, day-to-day work performance increased by 88% (Auerbach, 2014). So ultimately, without any increased costs on new technology or resources (besides the coaching fee), the business actually generated a phenomenal increase in productivity.

Thus far we’ve established that executive coaching is ultimately a good thing for businesses. That’s great, but you’re probably asking how much of a good thing it is - So lets get down to the nitty-gritty: what do executive coaches do and what are the actual benefits of utilizing them?

Firstly, the breach between a company’s expectations and the     leader’s performance is examined by the executive coach.

Secondly, the effectiveness and efficiency is analyzed from several points of view.

Finally the coach will develop a customized coaching plan to optimize the leader’s performance and then the implementation takes place (Fiorenza, 2012).

Executive coaches will assist leaders with time, talent and team management and most importantly improve their interpersonal skills so that they can go about implementing these changes in a productive and encouraging manner. They can also foster new ideas with an objective stance and give informed advice from their previous coaching experiences with other businesses –though not breaching confidentiality, of course!

With regards to team management, often employees bring certain undesirable cultures and attitudes to a team that after a certain amount of time become ‘the norm’.  In this arena executive coaches can provide a well-informed, fresh outlook on cultural problems and processes. They provide honest feedback as well as tactical solutions on how to improve the business through targeting common behaviors, traits or policies that enable inefficiency (Fiorenza, 2012).

Once an unruly employee or weak link in the chain is identified, executive coaches also provide insight on how to deal with certain forms of bad behavior and how to go about appropriate dismissals. This is crucial in businesses because if the situation isn’t dealt with sensitively, it can result in legal suits or bad press, which may tarnish the company brand.

On the other side of the spectrum, executive coaches can also strengthen the relationships between leaders, employees and clients. They create a neutral bridge of understanding between them so that they are more relatable to one another. Once this is done the leaders will be perceived as being more committed to their employees’ growth and success, which in effect increases employee morale and productivity (Quantum Leap Success Coaching, 2015). The respect and loyalty from clients is also solidified when the steps are in place to provide them better, more efficient products and services from the business via the methods stipulated by the executive coach. All in all this creates better communication and a positive work environment. 

So in the words of Lord Byron, “when we think we lead, we are most led" -get yourself an executive coach to train you to be the best leader that you can be.

Written by : Nicola Morkel 

Bibliography : 

Auerbach,  J. E. (2014). The benefits of Business Coaching. Retrieved 02 27,  2015, from College of Executive Coaching: http://www.executivecoachcollege.com/research-and-publications/benefits-of-business-coaching.php

Fiorenza, P. (2012, 07 17). 10 Benefits of Executive  Coaching. Retrieved 02 27, 2015, from GovLoop: https://www.govloop.com/10-benefits-of-executive-coaching/