Counseling 12000 Psychology subject sub_topic Executive coaching is a direct training approach for developing or improving a particular skill or skills of a client. As a kind of personal trainer for business executives, the executive coach encourages performance advancement and autonomous personal and professional growth through collaborative teaching methods. Executive coaches generally require certification or credentials to receive skill training to teach business strategies, goal focus, and administrative models to executives. 0 1 0 12180 <p>Executive coaching is a dynamic, psychology-based field that entails working as a personal coach or trainer to top executives and producers usually within a corporate setting. Executive coaching is a relatively new area of expertise and is currently seeing substantial growth over all industries in response to ever increasing competition in the private sector. According to Harvard Business School's publication, "Working Knowledge," a relatively recent study conducted found that 86% of companies used coaching to sharpen the skills of promising individuals.</p> <p>A career as an executive coach can be both exciting and stressful, as coaches work with high-level corporate officers on a one on one basis in fast-paced business environments, but are also held somewhat accountable for their executive's performance. Successful executive coaching combines components from psychology and traditional coaching skills. Executive coaches have to both understand how their clients operate psychologically as related to business, and have the ability to motivate their clients in a way that undeniably helps clients achieve set goals. Overall, executive coaches must be results driven, personable, resourceful and most importantly bring distinct and measurable value to a company by enhancing executive's performance.</p> <p>The nature of the work varies. Some executive coaches enjoy the stability from being hired as a full time employee by major corporations and work with whoever needs coaching at a given time. More executive coaches work as independent contractors and hire out their services, switching from company to company, but often enjoy higher earnings. Some other executive coaches work or partner in firms, and will coach whole businesses using team derived strategies.</p> <b>How to Become an Executive Coach</b> <p>Years ago, in order to coach and advise top level executives one had to be a highly experienced expert of sorts to even be considered for such a position. However, now that the demand for executive coaches has increased due to greater competition there are alternative ways to enter the field.</p> <p>Students in this area can obtain an advanced executive coaching degree. Many who pursue this option usually have previous experience or are currently working as an executive or with executives in a support role. For those currently employed, online study is a great way to earn an executive degree. Web-based programs give full time employees the flexibility needed to further their education while continuing to work, gain experience and make money.</p> <p>Another option is an executive coaching certificate. A certificate is ideal for those employed in executive support positions and want to further the coaching aspects of their career and enhance their qualifications. Although there is not yet a standardized executive coaching certificate for the industry, many accredited schools offer graduates certificates that are highly respected by employers and clients. The cost and length of certificate programs vary, but again, flexible online programs are typically the most viable options for working professionals.</p> <b>Earning Potential</b> <p>Since the field of executive coaching is so new the Bureau of Labor Statistics does not yet have data on the earnings of this exact occupation. The most closely related occupation the Bureau of Labor Statistics has data for is that of a counselor in the private sector, with median annual earnings of $47,530 in 2006. Other less reliable sources estimate that executive coaches make a salary within the range of $35,000 to $45,000 per year. However, in most cases the truth is that the wages received by executive coaches is directly dependent upon the client they are coaching. This means there is great variance in executive coach's earnings, but also that there is almost unlimited earnings potential if a high profile client is obtained.</p> <b>Article References</b><br/><br/> Bureau of Labor Statistics<br/> <a href="http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm#earnings" target="_blank">http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos067.htm</a><br/><br/> Harvard Business School's, "Working Knowledge," Vol. 9, No. 12<br/> <a href="http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/4853.html" target="_blank">http://hbswk.hbs.edu/archive/4853.html</a><br/><br/> Chief Learning Officer Magazine<br/> <a href="http://www.clomedia.com/industry_news/2008/July/3135/index.php" target="_blank">http://www.clomedia.com/industry_news/2008/July/3135/index.php</a><br/><br/> executive-coaching Executive Coaching Executive Coaching 15180, 12000, 12160 Accredited Executive Coaching Schools & Programs in Coaching Training 1 0