How many blind spots do you think a leader has on average? You may have guessed 1 or 2, as I did. That’s well short of what Mark Murphy of Leadership IQ posits in a recent Forbes.com article. He suggests, based on feedback from employees, that leaders have 3.6 blind spots on average. Such…
Pricing is an area of confusion and concern for almost every new executive coach. It’s hard to know what to charge for engagements. Should you charge less for a non-profit? Should you charge more if it’s an enterprise company? Should you charge less because you’re still a relatively new coach? Should you charge more…
For a few months I’d been asked by a newer coach to share my favorite coaching questions. This was not an easy question to answer! I’ve been coaching a long time and I can’t say I have this short list of questions that I go to again and again for maximum impact. However, I do…
I recently read the book, Coaching a-z and found it uplifting and helpful. Each chapter is focused on a word that begins with a letter from a-z and presents a nugget for a coach to contemplate and apply to their coaching and life. It’s a great read! Haesun’s definition of coaching – Curating stories of…
With Artificial Intelligence (AI) impacting more and more aspects of the business world and life in general, it’s hardly surprising that AI is now exerting significant influence on executive and leadership coaching. As coaches and coachees grapple with the implications of this brave new world, the International Coaching Federation (ICF) has sought to bring…
The year is drawing to a close quickly as our schedules fill up with activities that are likely not business related. That makes lots of sense since we’re smack dab in the middle of the holiday season. It’s a good excuse to let up on the gas pedal of our coaching business. But what about…
The ICF held their annual Converge conference in San Diego, CA this past October. It was a well-attended conference pulling in people from 50 countries. There was a wide range of content, but one topic stood out among the various subject areas: AI. There were numerous AI sessions, which isn’t surprising since coaches are…
Executive Summary: Coaching and therapy serve complementary, but distinct roles. Therapy is a state-regulated medical field, and seeks to help individuals heal from past and present traumas and manage mental health challenges. Coaching, on the other hand, has its own parameters and credentials provided by independent organizations, and it is task-based, helping clients achieve specific…
In a recent class I was asked how I would respond to someone who thinks that coaching is just asking a lot of questions. Isn’t it interesting that to this day there are still those out there who think this is what we do in coaching sessions – ask, ask, and ask some more. …
Coaching is always evolving, and with it comes new tools, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking resources. In this edition of Odds and Ends, I’m sharing updates that caught my attention from groundbreaking books and AI-driven coaching tools to innovative approaches like asynchronous coaching. Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, explore new ideas, or connect with…
One exciting aspect of the coaching and leadership development industry is the cascade of excellent books that appear on an on-going basis. Here’s a list of 10 highly recommended books to help you grow and refine your coaching work, listed in no particular order. The Advice Trap: Be Humble, Stay Curious & Change the…
Ah, AI, AI, AI. We just can’t stop talking about AI, can we? Well, whether we want to or are forced to, it seems every industry is on a collision course with AI in one way or another. I was coaching a client yesterday as part of a pro-bono arrangement via Reciprocoach and they…
Are you familiar with Coaching Supervision? Have you ever had formal Supervision? As you know if you’ve been following me for some time, I’m enrolled in a Level 3 program to, hopefully, get my MCC this year. As part of this learning journey, I’m getting 40 hours of training on Coaching Supervision. I was aware…
Each year I set aside time to look at the Edelman Trust Barometer. This organization studies the level of trust globally in government, the media, NGOs and business and puts together a comprehensive report that’s free of charge and informative. You can get the full report or condensed Top 10 findings on their website. This report…
As you know, I often interview coaches for my channel to provide you with different perspectives. I recently interviewed an experienced coach based in Germany and asked them what they’d do differently in year 1. Their answer was to do more networking and connecting with people. This is not the first time I’ve heard this response. I’ve…
The ICF recently released an article about the ROI of coaching. This is an important topic for buyers of coaching. Beyond the intangible benefits of feeling more confident and assured in certain situations, they also want proof that it’s working. Here are some key statistics from the article: There is a strong correlation between coaching and increased…
Executive Summary: Building a thriving executive coaching practice requires more than just strong coaching skills—it calls for a commitment to continual growth, professional integrity, client-centered service, and sound business practices. The best coaches earn respected credentials, maintain strict confidentiality, and place the client at the center of every engagement. They stay adaptable, encourage self-awareness and…
Executive Summary: Executive coaching is evolving rapidly, influenced by advancements in neuroscience, technology, globalization, and changing workforce needs. This blog outlines ten key trends that are shaping the future of executive coaching, from the increased use of neuroscience and emotional intelligence to the mainstream adoption of remote and team coaching. As coaching becomes more widely…
As a professional coach, it’s likely you will spend numerous hours each day on video. Indeed, I sometimes have as many as 6 hours of video meetings in a day. But do they need to be that way? I recently presented a 3-hour team development class using the Five Behaviors program material. Interestingly, this leadership…
You have likely already heard about the power of silence in a coaching session. These are extended periods of quiet where you and your client think deeply about what is important in that moment. You take your time to consider what to say next as a coach and the client takes time to explore themselves…
Executive Summary: Sponsored coaching engagements offer long-term stability, higher rates, and the opportunity to create greater organizational impact. While many new coaches are eager to pursue sponsored clients, they often struggle with how to get started. This post outlines eight actionable strategies to help you secure those opportunities from networking with decision-makers and presenting at…
I recently had a coaching session where my coachee shared with me that they are starting to use techniques with their directs like reframing and open-ended questions. And better yet, they’re working. What music to my ears! They went on to say that they are seeing the value of acting as a coaching leader with…
A collection of my most popular videos I hope you’ll enjoy watching a few of them beginning with my interview with Jill Bornstein, which has been watched more than 1,400 times! 1. First Year As An Executive Coach – Interview with Jill Bornstein (1.4k views) 2. Assessments Ideal For Executive Coaching (1.4k views) 3. An…
One of the key reasons I entered the world of coaching was to be in a profession that would continually challenge me to be better. I don’t believe the phrase “rest on your laurels” exists in the coaching space for coaches and for sure not for clients. We are learning and growing beings. If that’s…
While I often espouse the merits of sponsored executive coaching, it’s dawned on me recently that it’s not all rosy. In fact, there are downsides, and one stands out as significant for newer coaches to be aware of as they launch their practices. It has to do with timelines. You see, one of the great…
Executive Summary: As executive coaching continues to evolve, successful coaches increasingly rely on proven models to guide their work and deliver results. In this article, we explore five widely used coaching models that offer structure, insight, and flexibility for a variety of leadership scenarios. These include STEPPA, OSKAR, CLEAR, ACL, and ACHIEVE, each offering a…
I came across this study that pointed out that 46% of Americans didn’t read a book last year. They may have started one, but they didn’t finish it. Here’s the chart where you can see where you land and what percentage of Americans read fewer books than you. You may be wondering what this has…
Email. What does that word conjure up for you? For me, I often say it’s a blessing and a curse. When I started working, there was no email. We used the phone, faxes and pagers. It was somewhat of an idyllic existence now that I look back on it. I was generally able to focus…
Executive Summary: Many executive coaches avoid working with government organizations due to perceptions of bureaucracy, excessive paperwork, and delayed payments. However, personal experience shows that these assumptions often don’t hold up and the benefits of working with government clients can be significant. Once you are approved, you may gain access to long-term, stable work with…
New coaches will often proclaim they only want to coach people who are “coachable”. What does coachable mean exactly? Here are words I’ve heard used to describe coachability: Open-minded Reflective Growth-oriented Positive Open to feedback Focused Ready to change Vulnerable Trusting This sounds like a good list, right? What coach wouldn’t want to work with…
I am a Certified Mentor Coach, which means I frequently observe newer coaches working on their skills. I’ve noticed a trap that coaches regularly fall into and I’d like to help you avoid it. It’s the trap of seeking to add too much value. You see, when we coach we do so in the hopes…
One of the things I really like about the coaching business is that it doesn’t really take a break. Sure, there’s a slowdown during the holidays and some weeks off here and there during the summer, but there is no clear peak season and trough. Once you build up your practice, you can expect to…
If you are on your own, then you need to be able to market your services well. I have one process I like to follow that helps me position myself and services in a positive and productive way. It’s common for us to have websites that talk about our service offerings. All coaches have that.…
Want a brilliant framework to use within a coaching session? Use this three element dynamic shared with me by Andrew Neitlich, founder of the Center for Executive Coaching. When you’re working with a client who wants to be more effective, ask them how they are doing in balancing the three elements of Ego, Results, & Relationships.…
In the world of professional and personal development there are many ways to support one’s growth. For a prospective client, it may not be so clear what the difference is between various development modalities. This post should help to make clear the distinction between each of the most used mediums. Coaching The coach’s primary attention…
I’ve noticed an uptick in female membership at the Center for Executive Coaching. Just from my little corner of the coaching world, I’m seeing more women enter the profession of leadership coaching than men. I was asked by one of our veteran male coaches what I thought might be driving this trend. I’d love to…
Coaching Lessons From an MCC The SF chapter of the ICF hosted a special event with Lyssa deHart, an MCC based in Washington. I’ve only recently discovered what a wealth of coaching knowledge Lyssa is. As you may know, the ICF released a new exam for coaches who want to attain an ICF credential. That…
I recently received a question about how the rise of AI will affect coaching. I believe we should accept AI is going to make its way into nearly all types of work including coaching. I can imagine a future when a virtual AI coach asks new managers common questions such as: “Did you prioritize your…
There is a bias called Illusion of Control. This bias is defined as the tendency for people to overestimate their ability to control events. I’ve used DiSC for many years and I’ve often said to people in debriefs that people who are the D and I types are more likely to feel like they can…
Leila Ansart is the founder and CEO of Leadership Impact Strategies, a talent development consulting firm located in Florida. She’s an alumni of the Center for Executive Coaching. Leila has a unique path into executive coaching and has learned to capitalize on that uniqueness to help her firm stand out in the marketplace. Her firm…
Want to take on a real coaching challenge that will grow your coaching presence, refine your listening skills, and more closely connect you with your client? Yes? Great. Here’s what you do, don’t ask a question until it bubbles up after your client is done talking. I’m sure you’re like me in most coaching sessions…
How Coaching Conversations Differ From Regular Conversations You know they’re different, but how exactly? Here’s a short list along with some brief commentary. There’s often a singular topic. Regular conversations may cover multiple topics. They are focused on forward action. Regular conversations aren’t necessarily about taking action. Coaching conversations definitely are. The client does most…
Michael Neuendorff, faculty member of the Center for Executive Coaching, recently delivered an informational webinar about the various programs and pathways to certification. Watch the recording of the webinar below. If you have any questions or are interested in taking the next step to join the Center for Executive Coaching, contact us at your earliest convenience. We look forward…
Kelly Tweeddale, an ICF certified executive coach and principal of Break the Tape Leadership, coaches high-performance leaders and organizations throughout North America. Her method is based upon a unique focal point: connecting people and organizations through creativity. Kelly is widely recognized for forging paths of notable growth through strategy, action, and innovation, always with a…
Executive Summary: Allowing clients and prospects to self-schedule appointments via an online calendar link may seem like a small operational tweak, but it can significantly streamline your business. After years of controlling his calendar manually, the author adopted an automated booking system and saw a notable improvement in client engagement, scheduling efficiency, and overall business…
Executive Summary: As artificial intelligence advances, many executive coaches wonder whether AI poses a threat to their profession. While virtual coaching tools may offer convenience and efficiency, they fall short in areas that define impactful coaching – empathy, intuition, and human connection. This article explores why coaching remains highly effective, the irreplaceable role of personal…
In a recent meeting I held with a coachee and their manager – as an initial check-in for a sponsored engagement – I discovered something that may be a secret to success in executive coaching engagements. Here’s what happened. I was meeting with my coachee, whom I’ve worked with for just a few months (meeting…
I was listening to an online interview recently between two consultants and an author about conversations that matter. Pretty good content. What caught my attention was when one of them asked the author several questions at once. This is what we call stacking in the coaching world. I find that stacking comes naturally to…
Throughout the coaching process, we’re always looking for certain questions we believe will trigger growth in our client, evoke awareness, and help them discover new opportunities and solutions to improve their professional lives. There’s one question that almost always helps to make a session better, and it’s a question you might ask about halfway through the…
In the course of a typical coaching engagement, you’re liable to ask yourself: “How will I know if this coaching is effective? How will I measure its impact?” It’s likely your client will be equally curious. Don’t be stymied by these questions. There are solid ways to measure the effectiveness of your coaching. Here are…
Executive Summary: In a dynamic business environment, the most effective leaders are those who embrace the dual role of “leader-coach.” Unlike traditional managers who primarily assign tasks, leader-coaches inspire their teams by fostering collaboration, encouraging personal growth, and helping individuals discover solutions from within. This approach builds trust, accountability, and independence, which drives both short-term…
Executive Summary Improving as an executive coach involves mastering subtle yet powerful techniques that deepen client engagement and drive results. This post highlights three proven ways to elevate your coaching effectiveness: asking shorter questions to encourage clients to share more, using silence strategically to prompt deeper reflection, and cultivating full presence during sessions to truly…
Executive Summary Coaching the person rather than just the problem means exploring the deeper feelings, beliefs, and mindsets underlying the issues clients face. While many clients initially prefer to focus on practical problem-solving, deeper coaching relationships involve addressing emotional and psychological factors that influence behavior and confidence. By fostering trust and intimacy, coaches can guide…
In an earlier post I shared three keys that have contributed to the success of my coaching business over the years. I’d like to supplement those keys with three more that have been incremental to business growth. I hope these will help you create a long-lasting and successful coaching business. Reason #1: Understand sales and…
I get questions all the time from newer coaches about what’s led to my success as a coach. People want to know: What are my “secrets?” This led me to thinking: “What could I share with new coaches that might help them to be successful and build a long-lasting practice?” I thought it over and…
A recent survey indicated that 70% of people think they’re above-average listeners and believe those around them are below average. If you know anything about math, you know this can’t be true. So how can you tell if you really are a good listener? Laura Janusik, a.k.a. Hashtag Dr. J. Listen, can help you find…
Executive Summary Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a strengths-based, positive approach to business growth that contrasts with the traditional deficit model focused on fixing problems. AI emphasizes discovering and leveraging what works well within an organization, envisioning potential futures, designing shared positive outcomes, and committing to actions that realize those outcomes. Rooted in human potential, AI…
Jill Bornstein received her ICF certification in June of 2021 and is the founder of Upnext Leadership Coaching. Jill specializes in developing new leaders, rising executives and high performing leadership teams. Her competencies as a successful growth accelerator, business strategist, team champion, and partnership builder were built during her prior business experiences as a Fortune…
Executive Summary As professional coaching grows in diversity and complexity, coaches increasingly rely on proven process models to guide effective sessions. This blog explores three widely used coaching models: TOMS, GROW, and the 4-D Appreciative Inquiry model. Each offers a structured yet flexible framework for helping clients achieve meaningful breakthroughs. TOMS focuses on clarifying the…
Ashley Schaer is an ICF ACC certified executive coach through the Center for Executive Coaching. For over 12 years, Ashley worked for the City of Portland, Oregon, serving in leadership roles that included senior business systems analyst, senior management analyst, and safety and training program manager. In 2020, Ashley left the City of Portland to…
Robin Doenicke is the founder and CEO of Zensho Agency, a multinational consultancy and one of Japan’s most highly awarded and innovative recruitment firms. “Zensho,” which means “whole life,” reflects Robin’s belief that life should be lived holistically and with purpose, passion, and presence. He recognizes that connections can change lives, and his life mission…
Don Wetmore is a certified executive coach and author of “The Productivity Handbook.” Don’s an expert on using time wisely and boosting productivity. Recently our own productivity enthusiast Michael Neuendorff had an opportunity to sit down with Don and find out how Don helps his clients get much more out of their professional lives. Michael…
Executive Summary: Through a series of insightful interviews with experienced executive coaches, this blog post compiles ten powerful, real-world ideas to elevate your coaching practice. From building strong business systems to embracing self-awareness and learning how to sell your services effectively, these coaches share actionable advice grounded in years of practical experience. Whether you’re a…
Ashleigh Miller is a certified executive coach specializing in team coaching and team dynamics. She’s passionate about the human element in business and believes all business issues stem from people issues. Ashleigh spent the first half of her career working in professional services with Accenture and Ernst & Young. Her primary focus during that time…
Sadaf Shaikh is the founder and president of Caras Consulting, a Toronto-based boutique consultancy focused on helping business leaders create a high-performance culture within their organization while focusing on people and processes. As an executive coaching culture strategist, Sadaf provides her clients with sharp insights on people and situations, provides honest feedback guidance, and tailors…
Executive Summary In the final installment of the “Roles Coaches Play” series, we explore four more essential roles that effective coaches master to meet their clients where they are and help guide them forward. These include the Appreciator, who acknowledges and reinforces a client’s progress; the Space Holder, who provides a stable environment for reflection…
Craig Coffey is an ICF credentialed professional certified coach with 30 plus years of senior experience working for a variety of Fortune 300 companies. He’s also a diversity-equity- inclusion champion. Craig works with his clients to identify, unlock, and grow their talents and skills to achieve career ambitions, as well as build strong teams that…
Executive Summary Executive coaching plays a pivotal role in helping leaders unlock their full potential much like elite athletes rely on top-tier coaching to perform at their best. Through customized, relationship-based guidance, executive coaches empower leaders to elevate their impact by developing critical leadership competencies particularly emotional intelligence, communication, and strategic thinking. This article explores…
Trevor Blondeel is the founder of Operations Kickstart, a coaching firm focused on the needs of business leaders in the manufacturing sector. After spending over 25 years in leadership roles in manufacturing plants, Trevor found that he was actually in the “people industry.” This realization led to emotional intelligence (EI) becoming the cornerstone of his…
Executive Summary Coaching is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. To be truly effective, coaches must be able to shift between various roles depending on the needs, challenges, and growth trajectory of each individual client. This post, the second in a multi-part series, explores three critical roles that coaches often step into during an engagement: Nudger, Accountability…
Daiana Stoicescu is an executive leadership coach based in Romania. She’s a Master Certified Coach credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, a Master Certified Coaching Trainer by the Center for Executive Coaching, and a registered ICF Mentor Coach. Daiana was also the president of the ICF Romania chapter until 2019. As a Master Certified Coach Trainer…
Mike Williams has been the owner and president of The Growth Coach of Northern Virginia since June of 2015, offering strategic planning, business development and sales training to small businesses, corporations, executives, and sales teams. Mike’s diverse background includes 20 years at the Coca-Cola Company, 6 years at Mobil Chemical (now ExxonMobil), and 6 years…
The coach and coachee relationship is a dynamic one. As trust is established, outcomes are considered, actions are taken and challenges arise, the coach takes on various roles to support the client. The adoption of multiple roles can even take place in a single coaching session. Being a flexible coach able to shift among the…
Executive Summary Leadership coaching has historically been reserved for a company’s top executives either as a way to enhance high-performing leaders or remediate struggling ones. However, this exclusive approach is rapidly shifting. Organizations today are embracing the democratization of leadership coaching, extending its benefits to mid-level managers, emerging leaders, and even individual contributors. Why? Because…
Whether or not you feel you’re ready to go out and get clients for your new coaching practice, you first need to ask yourself a very important question. This question will determine whether you’re truly ready to coach; it really is a make-or-break question. Interestingly, this is also a question you’ll be asking of your…
To be an executive coach, you need a process. In this post, I’ll share a simple and solid process to use in your coaching sessions. By following this process, you’ll find you’re able to guide the client through a conversation that moves them towards the goals they’d like to achieve by working with you. A…
Executive Summary Demonstrating the ROI of executive coaching is one of the biggest hurdles coaches face when working with clients and prospects. While coaching often delivers results in “soft” areas like emotional intelligence, communication, and confidence, those changes frequently produce real, tangible business gains like improved productivity, reduced turnover, better decision-making, and increased profitability. This…
This is the first in a series of posts designed to help you succeed as an executive coach. To begin, I want to cover a fundamental requirement for success in any endeavor: get yourself properly trained. Coaching is a unique professional vocation. The government doesn’t require that you get any coaching education or be licensed…
Executive coach and author Teri Citterman likes to shape great thinkers into great leaders, and she’s been successful doing just that for almost a decade. Teri coaches CEOs, executive teams, and high-level managers on the path to becoming industry shapers and thought leaders of the future. Recently, our own future-thinking Michael Neuendorff sat down with…
James Pagano is a business performance coach based in Charlotte, NC, whose passion is working with small business owners. James’ client engagements are collaborative and holistic, with a focus on such areas as strategic business development, relationship management, and the ever-elusive goal of time management, also known as prioritization. Recently, Bay Area Executive Coach’s Michael Neuendorff caught…
There’s a plethora of books covering literally every aspect of executive and leadership coaching. In fact, this popular topic has been written about by eminent authors for decades. With so many books to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when selecting the best books to read for advancing your skills and coaching career. To…
Executive Summary The rapidly changing work environment, employees crave leaders who offer more than direction, they want leaders who demonstrate trust, curiosity, and commitment to their growth. Enter the coaching leader: someone who guides not by giving all the answers, but by asking powerful questions that unlock insight, build confidence, and spark action. This blog…
Why is coaching becoming so commonplace in companies large and small around the world? Because it works. Coaching is powerful. Coaching helps people at any level – whether they are self-employed or gainfully employed – learn and grow to become better versions of themselves. The key reasons why coaching seems to be so powerful are…