Foundations of Executive Coaching: Top-notch executive coaching

One of the telltale signs of top-notch executive coaching is when coaches replace judgment with curiosity and continue to ask questions. They are insatiably curious and challenge client answers to encourage deeper thinking and growth. A great coach must also be a world-class listener.

Vistage Master Chair Robin Stanaland says the value of executive coaching sessions is directly tied to the quality of listening and the impact of the questions asked. She believes great coaches:

• Listen for intent.
• Question surface-level answers.
• Ask questions that push a client’s comfort zone.
• Observe body language.
• Prioritize respect over likeability.

“Clients don’t leave a coach because they’re being pushed too hard,” she says. “They leave because of a perceived lack of value in coaching. The questions you ask will always be more important than the things that you say, the power of your questions will define the depth of your coaching sessions,”

Here, Stanaland explains how excellent listening and questioning skills distinguish great executive coaching from good coaching.

If you’re interested in learning more about executive coaching, then check out our free Foundations of Executive Coaching course.

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