If you ask 10 business leaders ‘what is executive coaching?’, you might receive 20 different answers. The best approach involves tailoring solutions to the individual, helping them grow professionally so they can thrive even in the most challenging environment.

Do you feel you carry the weight of your entire organisation on your shoulders? Are you struggling to navigate a daily stream of challenges and strategic decisions? In this article, business coach Helen Baxter helps you understand ‘what is executive coaching?’.

One critical benefit of executive coaching is the ability to support individuals during periods of transition. Changing roles, sectors or employers requires more than just technical skill – it demands a mindset shift. Coaching provides a ‘safe space’ to explore ideas, identify strengths and address concerns without fear of judgment.

Freed from the fear of failure, leaders can test new strategies, clarify their vision and uncover hidden capabilities. As a coach, my role is to listen to what my clients are saying and also to pick up things they may not realise they’re communicating. Active listening helps them articulate their goals and uncover key actions.

When discussing ‘what is executive coaching?’ we need to talk about change. Love it or hate it, change is inevitable in any leadership role but often leads to anxiety and uncertainty. Coaching equips leaders with the resilience to face these challenges head-on, balancing the art of positivity with a firm grasp on reality.

For instance, a professional contemplating a career shift by retraining in their 50s might face different problems to someone in their 30s. For example, they will feel like they are returning to the bottom rung of the career ladder, meaning a major cut in salary cut while also being the oldest person in the training programme.

The key is to help clients develop strategies to bridge the gap between where they are and where they aspire to be, fostering confidence without ignoring the practicalities.

Let’s look at one coaching model. Developed by Anthony M Grant, STEPPA is a powerful and structured framework designed to help individuals achieve their goals while navigating the emotional aspects of decision-making and action. Focusing on the critical role emotions play in shaping behaviour, this is an effective tool for personal and professional development.

Here’s a breakdown of the STEPPA model:

• Subject: the process begins by identifying the topic or issue the individual wants to address (the subject). Setting a primary goal ensures alignment between the coach and the individual.
• Target: determine the specific, measurable outcomes the individual wants to achieve from executive coaching.
• Emotion: the STEPPA model covers the emotions that can be powerful drivers of motivation or obstacles to progress.
• Perception: examine how the individual perceives their current situation, resources and challenges. Broadening perspectives can foster self-awareness and uncover new insights.
• Plan: with a clear goal, emotional awareness, and a broadened perspective, the individual can now create a plan of action.
• Action: the final step is execution – turn the plan into action with the coach providing support and accountability.

While I love the STEPPA principles, it isn’t the only coaching model and is not right for every client.

Helen Baxter is an experienced business coach and the founder of Aristeon Growth. Helen believes executive coaching helps leaders build resilience, navigate change and achieve breakthroughs they didn’t think possible. If you want to learn how to unlock your full potential, gain clarity and build confidence – get in touch today.