Thinking About Hiring an Executive Coach? Here’s What It Actually Looks Like.
If you’re thinking about hiring an executive coach, you’re probably wondering what it actually looks like. I asked the same question before I hired my first coach At the time, around year eight in my executive director’s role, I wasn’t trying to fix a team or build a plan, but I was trying to figure out what to do with my own career — stay where I was, find something new, or start my own business. And I couldn’t think my way through it alone.
What executive coaching actually looked like for me
It wasn’t complicated, but one hour every few weeks, a conversation, a lot of questions I didn’t expect, and yes, a few tears as I came to realize some hard truths.
Questions like:
- Are you happy?
- What do you actually want?
- What are you avoiding?
- What would it take for you to make this decision?
I didn’t walk away with all the answers, but I did walk away with clarity, and ultimately, this business.
What executive coaching looks like with my clients
Now, when I work with leaders, it looks different on the surface, but it’s the same idea. it’s more operations-focused — how to lead a non-profit organization — versus more life coaching (which is what I felt mine was).
Lately with my clients, we’ve been working through:
- How to lead in the boardroom while still respecting the board’s role
- Understanding the difference between board vs. staff responsibilities
- Shifting from a staff mindset into an executive role
- Figuring out how operations actually work
Real situations organizations and leaders are working through right now — and the conversation is all driven by them and their goals.
What you actually get from executive coaching
If you’re thinking about hiring an executive coach, you’re likely trying to decide if it’s worth it.
Executive coaching is a place:
- to think out loud
- to ask better questions
- to work through decisions before they become problems
- to be challenged
And what you get:
- One hour virtual calls, once or twice a month, depending on your package
- Confidentiality
- Growth, clarity, and confidence
Ready to learn more?
If you’re thinking about hiring an executive coach, let’s talk. We’ll walk through what you’re navigating and see if it’s a good fit. Schedule your discovery call here.
About mkw+co
mkw+co is a boutique consulting firm specializing in strategy, marketing, education, and coaching for nonprofits and small businesses.