Should CEOs have a coach to help them reach peak performance?

This was the title of a recent discussion on Linkedin which was fascinating in the reactions and conclusions provoked.


The discussion was part of an Institute of Directors (IoD) group on Linkedin and the contributors included company CEOs, Directors as well as a range of Coaches, Mentors and Consultants.


What emerged from the discussion was:

• some cynicism regarding the need for coaching and advice for CEOs.
• a passionate defence from Coaches, Mentors and Consultants for their profession and clear 'sparring' about the differences between the methods used.
• some 'sniffyness' (on reflection, me included) about the coaching profession and people too easily entering the profession and calling themselves Coaches.
• challenge back to the CEOs that they were dismissing the need for continual learning.
• a clear confusion about what coaching is and how to make the right choices when selecting of a Coach.

As the discussion came to a natural end, there appeared to be a convergence.  Some of those who started out as cynics ended up with a greater understanding of what coaching and mentoring might offer them.  We as a coaching profession realised that we need to do a better job of helping people to buy our services.

So here are my thoughts on buying coaching:

• ask what training they have undergone and where.  Ensure it is of a good quality and from a reputable provider.
• ask which professional bodies they are a member of and what code of ethics they subscribe to.  The lead organisations are Association for Coaching (AC), European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), International Coach Federation (ICF)
• if they use psychometric testing, are they 'Level B' accredited by the British Psychological Society to use them and which ones are valid for your needs.
• what Supervision do they receive?  All good coaches should have a Supervisor who helps them to reflect on their approach and improve their practise.
• how they propose to 'contract' with you - in other words, what are the 'rules of engagement'.
• what are they doing for their own professional development?How many days a year are they investing in their own training and development?
• insist you have a 'chemistry' session and decide whether you think you can work with them!

I would be interested in your thoughts and experiences on buying coaching services.