Executive coaching qualifications

I hire executive coaches on track record and recommendations rather than on a particular qualification or not. I wouldn’t personally draw a distinction between either.

Like Keith. Recommendations not necessarily qualifications.

My wife was a coach for many years. No one ever asked if she was qualified all the work was by reputation and she never ever advertised either. All word of mouth. She was/is an excellent listener, a management trainer and had also spent a lot of time training and working for Relate.

Being a bit of a cynic I can't really see how you can qualify and become competent as either a coach or counsellor by doing something on-line, but perhaps there's an element of 1:1 in it?

Thanks Keith - helpful to know. When I hire staff (or engage with external providers) I tend to look at both. But have not hired any coaches so far, so useful to get a feel about this within the HR community.

I have a business services and HR management background and have been used as a sounding board amongst management and colleagues as well as mediator in staff disputes. I want to learn more about different coaching approaches from experienced coaches who are trained to teach.

And yes, the course would be interactive- remotely (using Zoom) for me as I am currently based in the UAE and as alternative to in-person learning during COVID

The other thing I would say is in my experience the "best" executive coaches I have found don't actually come from a HR background but come from senior management roles - been there and done that type thing. Not saying there aren't some great HR/training bods turned into Exec Coaches but I have just never used them

Hi Keith - thanks for your feedback. The course would indeed be interactive (via Zoom) with 1:1 coaching parts. Online instead of in-person for me as I am currently based in UAE and offered as an alternative during COVID by most institutes and training providers

Ok - would be interesting to hear whether that is generally the view amongst HR professionals?

Thanks David - see my responses below. I agree - not everyone would be suitable for coaching and training is therefore only part of it. But it would provide an opportunity to examine (and apply!) different approaches to coaching used successfully by experienced coaches

When I was exploring coaching qualifications, the key for me was the content, the accreditation (EMCC or ICF) and the approach. Some coaching providers have a more gestalt foundation, others NLP, others a blend or mix and or a focus on academic qualification. I found taster sessions, references from past attendees and research like this helpful.

I had coached already and wanted some formal validation of my existing skills, the ability to meet and network with other coaches and get feedback and input. I didn't go for one of the many academic institutions or business schools as getting a post grad or Masters was not an important criteria for me. If it is for you and your potential clients then Henley has a name....you are probably paying for that in the increased fee.

Even before Covid some coach providers were using tech to train - Coach U comes to mind as one that worked that way.

Finally, I'd say the coaching market is a crowded one so consider that if you are thinking of it as a career with coaching as the main line in it. Building the reputation in the market takes time. I've never regretted doing my training. It informs my work even if it's not the sole element of it. I found it sharpened my consulting skills and definitely increased my self awareness and ability to facilitate better conversations. Good luck in making the decision.