Dan Heiman:
What are the biggest misconceptions about executive coaching?
Jeremy Foster:
There are several misconceptions about coaching – I’ll outline two of those, both of which relate to who should access coaching:
- Coaching is only for underperformers. Some people see executive coaching as a remedial tool used only for leaders who are struggling or underperforming. But coaching isn’t about fixing what’s broken; it’s about exploring what’s possible. There’s a reason elite professional athletes like Patrick Mahomes have coaches— coaching is most beneficial for high-performing leaders who want to uncover blind spots, expand their capabilities, overcome challenges, or accelerate their organization’s growth.
- Coaching is too expensive and only for executives. Some view coaching as a luxury reserved for top executives. While it can be costly, many organizations see it as a worthwhile investment for leaders at all levels. In an earlier section of this interview, I mentioned a Metrix Global study that showed coaching can have an 8x return on investment. Across the entire organization, coaching is an investment that results in stronger leaders, more productive teams, higher retention for employees, healthier team cultures, and stronger business results.
Coaching is a great fit for any leader who wants to achieve, be challenged, and grow beyond what they’ve been able to do on their own. Coaching helps leaders gain outside wisdom, sharpen their skills, and expand their influence for the good of those they serve. If you’ve considered accessing coaching, it just might be your next step! Reach out to Dan or I and let’s explore if coaching is right for you.
