by Jonathan Sachs, MBA, FACHE, PCC
Managing your company’s executive coaching program can be challenging, with tight deadlines, limited budgets, and high expectations from leaders seeking help. Building an internal bench of executive coaches is often costly and complicated, leading many to rely on external resources. However, not all coaches are created equal—some lack formal training, while others may not align with the unique needs of your executives. That’s why having a clear strategy for selecting the right executive coaching partner is essential. Drawing on our experience coaching leaders at companies like Rolex, Major League Soccer, and Turner Construction, we’ve identified the top five qualities to look for in an executive coaching partner.
Top 5 Qualities to Look For In Your Executive Coaching Partner
1. Their Coaches Are ICF Certified
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) sets the gold standard for coaching. Coaches with an ICF certification have been through rigorous training and adhere to high ethical standards. This ensures that the coach has proven experience and formal education in coaching practices, making them better equipped to handle leadership challenges at any level. When selecting an executive coaching partner, always confirm their coaches hold an ICF certification—it ensures you’re working with a professional who takes their role seriously.
2. They Have a Variety of Coaching Talent
Not every leader responds to the same coaching style, which is why it’s essential that your coaching partner offers a range of coaching talent. Look for a partner with coaches who have diverse backgrounds and specialties. Some executives may need help with emotional intelligence, while others might struggle with executive presence or strategic thinking. A coaching team that includes individuals with varied expertise allows you to match each leader with the right coach for their specific growth areas, ensuring a more personalized and effective coaching experience.
3. They Are Willing to Work With Challenging Cases
Some executives are harder to coach than others. Whether it’s a stubborn personality, a history of interpersonal conflicts, or a reluctance to embrace feedback, the right coaching partner won’t shy away from challenging cases. Instead, they’ll approach these situations with patience, creativity, and persistence. Look for a coaching partner that demonstrates a commitment to tough cases by offering success stories or testimonials from clients who have successfully turned difficult leadership situations around. A strong coaching partner understands that growth often comes from overcoming the toughest obstacles.
4. They Utilize Assessments in Their Coaching
Leadership assessments like DiSC, Hogan, or 360-degree feedback provide coaches with data to tailor their approach to each executive’s strengths and weaknesses. A coaching partner who integrates assessments into their process is one that values measurable progress and personalized development. By using these tools, they can help the executive gain deeper self-awareness and set clear goals for improvement. Assessments also give HR professionals a concrete way to track development over time, ensuring that coaching investments are paying off.
5. They Establish a Coaching Plan With Each Client
Executive coaching is most effective when it is structured and goal-oriented. Look for an executive coaching partner that establishes a detailed coaching plan with each client. This plan should include measurable goals, a timeline for achieving them, and regular check-ins to evaluate progress. Having a clear plan ensures both the coach and the executive stay on track, and it also provides HR with transparency into the coaching process. This way, everyone is aligned, and the coaching experience becomes a focused journey toward achieving specific leadership outcomes.
Concluding Thoughts
Choosing the right executive coaching partner is critical to the success of your leadership development program. The right partner will bring certified, skilled coaches to the table who are equipped to handle even the most challenging leadership situations. By leveraging assessments and developing structured coaching plans, they ensure that each leader gets the personalized support they need to grow. At Arden Coaching, we’ve helped countless organizations elevate their leadership teams. If you’re looking for an executive coaching partner that meets all five of these essential criteria, reach out to us today.
Let’s work together to develop your next generation of leaders.