When you think about people who are at the top of their field, you realize that behind the scenes there is often a coach.

The professional baseball player has a hitting coach and your favorite entertainer has a vocal coach. But what you may not realize is that many of the best executives also utilize the help of a coach or counselor. In fact, surveys indicate most large companies use executive coaches.

For some, having a coach implies there is something wrong and that they need to shape up in certain areas. This view of coaching couldn’t be further from the truth.

I discovered a core need among leaders for continuing executive education throughout my career.

Young people just entering the business world are afforded many opportunities to learn and grow. As they move up and achieve leadership positions, those opportunities tend to decline.

Executives take on more responsibility, and are often tasked with leading efforts outside of their comfort zone. But they do not always have the appropriate skills and support to perform at the highest level of excellence.

An executive counselor or coach fills the gap for executives, many of whom are high-achievers and life-long learners stretching to constantly improve.

An effective coach provides wise counsel, serving also in the roles of mentor and consultant. Your coach should ask the right questions, provide guidance and help you improve your game.

How do you know if an executive counselor is right for you? Below are five signs you are ready for an executive coaching relationship.

1. You recognize there is room for continued learning and improvement, and have a specific area in which you’d like to grow. Importantly, you’re willing to try different tactics to solve your challenges or grow your skills. 

2. Expectations for your performance have increased and a coach can help you “up your game.”

3. There is nobody internally who can serve as your sounding board, and offer unfiltered and unclouded wise counsel.

4. A weakness is holding you back, and you’re not sure how to address it.

5. You’re ready to commit to the process. Just like you can’t improve your overall health in two days, meaningful professional changes don’t happen overnight. When you’re ready to commit, an executive coach could be right for you. 

If you’re interested in our Executive Counsel service, please reach out. I provide one-on-one counsel to a wide-range of leaders in a variety of industries.

Life is a team sport. Work closely with your coach, and win more games.

Onward.