discussion

Among the skills identified to increase success in the field are listening, empathy, patience, being non-judgmental, and the ability to solve problems. After reading post below would a trained psychologist make a better executive coach. Give your thoughts and feedback on what you think an executive coach is.

I think that anyone with the ability to lead can learn to become an executive coach.  Bluckert (2005) shared that in an outcome of a 2003 study by Wasylyshyn, "the characteristics of a successful coaching relationship are the ability to form a strong connection with the executive, professionalism, use of clear and sound methodology (p. 336).  The executives that participated in the study communicated that these characteristics were the most important attributes they wanted in their executive coaches.  I think anyone with the ability to lead can become an executive coach because the definition of an executive coach does not speak to academia.  Instead, it speaks to the relationship between a coach and coachee as the catalyst for the executive coaching relationship.  Though the International Coach Federation (ICF) has developed core competencies to understand better the skills and approaches (ICF, n.d)., the competencies provide clarity on approaching coaching. However, it does not specify the requirements to become a coach.

I do not believe a trained psychologist would make a better executive coach.  Psychological coaching (Links to an external site.) focuses on the positive aspects of the human condition, much like positive counseling (Psychology Today, n.d.).  I interpret this to mean that psychological coaching only focuses on strengths and opportunities.  I think the purpose of executive coaching is to focus on a holistic approach to improving leadership performance. 

I think the connection between psychological-mindfulness and executive coaching is that psychological-mindfulness prepares coaches for being open to the interactions that occur during coaching.  Bluckert (2005) shared that psychological-mindfulness is the capacity of the coach to think about the cognitive and emotional states that underpin behavior".  Psychological mindfulness requires a capacity for self-awareness and the demonstration for the capacity of awareness of others.  A psychological-mindfulness approach to executive coaching allows coaches to be open during the coaching interactions, so they do not rush to make judgments and utilize the experiences to encourage performance improvements.