Selecting an Executive Coach, that’s Right for You
In part 1 and part 2 of this series, we explored the power of executive coaching and its lasting impact on leadership development. In this third installment, we’ll dive into one of the most important steps: selecting the right coach who aligns with your needs and goals.
To optimize your outcomes, you must select the “right” coach. Your choice of coach can make the difference between incremental improvement and transformative change at the individual, team, and organizational levels. There are several primary qualifications you should look for. Coaches will usually do a complimentary discovery call to determine the best fit for you.
- Experience: The coach’s real-world leadership experience can yield objective insight.
- Credentials: The coach should have relevant training, credentials, and experience. I recommend considering an ICF-credentialed coach because they have met strict education and experience requirements and are held to rigorous ethical guidelines.
- Coaching style and chemistry: Evaluate the coach’s style and how it fits your needs. Evaluate whether the coach can provide encouragement and optimism when needed and unbiased, honest feedback when needed.
- Emotional intelligence: Whether the coach has the emotional intelligence to understand and navigate interpersonal dynamics.
- Confidentiality: Ask about the measures the coach has in place to protect your confidentiality and privacy; everything discussed should remain confidential between you and your coach.
- Professional standards: The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets high professional standards for coaches. ICF-credentialed coaches have demonstrated their understanding of coaching competencies and meet specific requirements.
- Quality assurance: ICF certification validates a coach’s skills and shows commitment to continuous learning.
- Credibility: ICF credentials make coaches more credible and help them feel more legitimate as professionals.
- Ethical guidelines: ICF-credentialed coaches adhere to strict ethical guidelines to protect coaching consumers.
- Verify Credentials and References: Inquire about references. You can verify a coach’s ICF membership and credentials on the International Coaching Federation website.
Ready to Take Action?
Executive coaching has become a strategic imperative for organizations navigating the complexities of 2025 and beyond. With significant ROI and benefits, including increased productivity, improved employee retention, and enhanced leadership capabilities, coaching represents a robust investment in individual and organizational excellence. In today’s dynamic business landscape, where leaders face unprecedented challenges from managing hybrid workforces to integrating AI, coaching provides the structured support needed to transform challenges into opportunities for growth. For leaders, empowering people within your organization to do their best work and truly engage will help to shape your organization’s performance – increasing productivity, improving employee engagement and retention, and customer satisfaction.
Whether you’re a C-suite executive, emerging leader, or individual contributor, now is the time to explore how executive coaching can accelerate professional development and organizational success. In a world where change is the only constant, those who thrive are those who never stop growing. Which challenges could you tackle more effectively with the proper support? How might you benefit from coaching? What’s the cost of not investing?
Take the first step toward unlocking your full potential and achieving a competitive edge! I invite you to visit my website to explore my services and approach and schedule a complimentary discovery conversation and consultation.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Hillegass is the CEO and Founder of The Outcomes Coach and an ICF-certified executive coach with over 30 years of business experience and c-suite leadership in healthcare, technology, and emerging business sectors. She specializes in coaching tailored to the unique needs of individuals, teams, and organizations within the healthcare sector, including health services, life sciences, pharma, biotech, medtech, and digital health.
