How to become A Leadership Coach

Leadership Coaches seek to exemplify the axiom, “leaders aren’t born, they are made,” when they help corporate directors, executives, managers, and employees explore solution-based approaches to leadership development and unlock their potential to grow in a wholesome manner.

• Executive Coach
• Success Coach
• Corporate Coach

What do Leadership Coaches do?

A Leadership Coach would typically need to:

• Use specialised tools and strategies to help clients achieve goal and success orientation, social integration, discipline, and inspirational leadership 
• Develop exemplary qualities and competencies in executives and high-potential employees to foster higher employee engagement, retention, and productivity
• Design training programmes geared towards enhancing the client’s leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and mentoring skills
• Offer one-on-one training and guidance to top leaders to help them realise their potential, understand and overcome challenges, and improve their performance
• Assist recently promoted or hired leaders adjust to their new roles so the company or department optimise efficiency and productivity 
• Help managers build effective leadership styles in sync with their personality type and experiences
• Establish training programmes to help new hires cultivate their communication, ethical, diversity, and team building skills
• Employ relevant cognitive tools to facilitate team work, task completion, negotiation, and client liaison
• Use books, podcasts, and role-playing to ensure their clients are getting better at utilising the necessary soft skills
• Observe the client in their regular work milieu to identify their strengths and the areas they need to work on to meet their personal and professional goals
• Offer sustainable feedback to clients on their leadership skills at different stages of their career
• Bring leaders up to speed on industry-specific knowledge that will help them understand and help meet organisational and departmental objectives
• Offer clients an experienced and objective third-party perspective and an unbiased support system that will help them make informed decisions
• Conduct exit interviews with employees leaving the organisation to figure out the factors that led to their departure

Freelance Leadership Coaches may be able to work remotely, while full-time professionals have a designated desk or office inside the employer’s or client’s workspace. 

Regular participation in seminars, workshops and conferences at client-approved venues demands frequent domestic and international travel. In addition, freelancers may need to travel to meet clients.

Leadership Coaches may enjoy predictable 40-hour work weeks with the occasional evening, weekend, or public holiday earmarked to accommodate their clients’ schedules.

Although a few work for coaching firms, most Leadership Coaches work independently. Finding a new job might seem challenging. Leadership Coaches can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, attending job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

Leadership Coaches are generally employed by:

• Corporate Offices
• Small Businesses
• Government Agencies
• Nonprofit Organisations
• Private Practices
• Coaching Firms

Professional associations and organisations, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), are crucial for Leadership Coaches interested in pursuing professional development or connecting with like-minded professionals in their industry or occupation. 

Professional associations provide their members with various avenues for continuing education, networking opportunities and mentorship services. Membership in one or more adds value to your resume while bolstering your credentials and qualifications.

• High likelihood of being dropped from the company’s agenda during economically challenging times
• The need to be flexible to accommodate the client’s schedules
• Accountability for top management performance which may prove stressful
• Health issues from long hours spent on one’s feet and at the computer

One can qualify for the role of Leadership Coach after acquiring at least ten years of in-depth business and managerial experience in the corporate world. The projects and tasks you take on and complete as an executive, training practitioner, consultant or human resources manager will reinforce your credentials and provide unparalleled opportunities for your professional trajectory. 

Read about the profession and interview or job shadow experts in leadership coaching to prove your commitment to course providers and prospective employers.

Aspiring Leadership Coaches require at least a bachelor’s degree in psychology, education, or business to get a foothold in the industry. Some may consider a master’s in leadership or organisational development more useful.

In addition, you can avail of accredited leadership courses that award successful candidates with awards, certificates, or diplomas, depending on the length of the programme. 

Furthermore, reputed independent coaching bodies worldwide offer alternative leadership coaching programmes that are self-paced and can be completed online with tutorial support.

Students will learn about leadership development, coaching models and theories, leadership styles, coaching skills and techniques, the impact of leadership coaching, personal development for leaders, and coaching at a strategic level. 

Taking up college-preparatory courses in high school, such as psychology and business, would be beneficial. English and speech classes will help you hone the research and communication skills essential to succeed in this profession.

Remember that completing a particular academic course does not guarantee entry into the profession. Be that as it may, your professional qualifications and transferable skills may open up more than one door.

Do your homework and look into all available options for education and employment before enrolling in a properly accredited and approved programme. Reliable sources that help you make an educated decision include associations and employers in your field. 

Certification demonstrates a Leadership Coach’s competency in a skill set, typically through work experience, training and passing an examination. Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics and holding the awardee accountable for a proper code of conduct.

Certification from a globally-recognised organisation, such as the International Coach Federation (ICF), can provide successful recipients with “instant credibility and increased visibility” to potential clients.

ICF offers three tiers of credentials based on the level of education and experience you are willing to acquire. Completing 60 hours of coach-specific education and 100 hours of client-coaching experience will qualify the student as an Associate Certified Coach (ACC). 

A Professional Certified Coach (PCC) must have completed 125 hours of coach-specific education and 500 hours of client-coaching experience. PCCs who complete 200 hours of coach-specific education and 2,500 hours of client-coaching experience will earn the credential of Master Certified Coach (MCC).

The specific industry and location you wish to work in and the services you wish to offer your clients will also determine the kind of certifications and licences you must acquire to succeed in leadership coaching.

Leadership Coaches may also need to undergo an employment background check, including but not limited to a person’s work history, education, credit history, motor vehicle reports (MVRs), criminal record, medical history, use of social media and drug screening.

Leadership Coaches are highly-qualified professionals with significant industry experience. Their ability to make good on the guaranteed ROI (return on Investment) and retain clients translates into wholesome career progression.

As a certified Life Coach who is well on their way to building a steady client base, the most popular revenue-generating practices include increasing your fees, authoring books or articles on leadership coaching, and giving speeches or holding workshops on the subject.

The desire to accelerate career growth and personal development has an increasing number of millennials choosing to job hop and build a scattershot resume that showcases ambition, motivation and the desire to learn a broad range of skills.

Studies prove that job hopping, earlier dismissed as “flaky” behaviour, can lead to greater job fulfilment. Employees searching for a positive culture and exciting work are willing to try out various roles and workplaces and learn valuable and transferable skills.

Candidates with a relevant bachelor’s degree, accredited certification in leadership coaching, and adequate business and managerial experience have the best job prospects.

Continuing professional development (CPD) will help active Leadership Coaches build personal skills and proficiency through work-based learning, professional activity, 

formal education or self-directed learning.

Besides allowing one to continually upskill, CPD also enables the timely renewal of desirable certifications and licences.

Online courses and training programmes, workshops and seminars will help Leadership Coaches pick up novel skills and knowledge while networking, all of which will strengthen their position in the field.

Life Coaches accredited by ICF have access to peer-to-peer coaching and mentorships which encourage knowledge exchange of professional tips and tools and the diverse areas of specialisation that would add to their expertise. 

A deeper understanding of cultural nuances will help you navigate an increasingly global landscape and bring to bear effective coaching practices that will foster positive workplace relationships and all the attendant benefits.

Attend industry events, volunteer for local events, connect with your university alumni, stay connected with your peers, and retain an authentic and productive presence on social media to widen your professional network and expand your client base.

Employers offer on-the-job training, which may involve shadowing an experienced Leadership Coach to learn about the company’s policies and procedures, software and technology.

All in a Day’s Work

Regardless of their coaching style, whether they are working with an individual or a team, and the client’s expectations, certified Leadership Coaches focus on boosting their client’s leadership and team management skills and sharing change management strategies. 

Exploring diverse leadership styles, enabling the resolution of work-related issues and workplace conflict, and identifying areas of opportunity are equally important aspects of their coaching sessions.

Diversity and Inclusion On the Up and Up

With growing awareness of the positive impact and benefits of a diverse workforce, companies worldwide are on the lookout for Leadership Coaches who can help develop strategies to promote diversity within the organisation. 

Future Outlook

Leadership Coaching was already popular before the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the health crisis, recession, and the “Great Resignation”  that continue to haunt businesses worldwide make leadership coaching the most effective way to develop essential leadership skills. 

An added bonus is the ease with which proficient Leadership Coaches can meet organisational expectations via teleconferencing and telephone.

Coaching vs Counselling

The end goal in both practices is to help individuals realise their potential. 

However, a coach helps the client set specific personal or professional goals and offers appropriate training and guidance to achieve the goal and progress in life.

A counsellor helps the client become aware of and resolve significant issues, related to their development, family dynamics, sexuality, or mental health conditions. 

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs Full-Time Employment

Freelancing Leadership Coaches have more flexible work schedules and locations. They  own the business and can select their projects and clients. However, they experience inconsistent work and cash flow, which means more responsibility, effort and risk.

On the other hand, full-time Leadership Coaches have company-sponsored health benefits, insurance and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Yet, they may experience boredom due to a lack of flexibility, ownership and variety.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best.

Leadership development is the number one priority for the learning and development of professionals in organisations around the world.

Competent Leadership Coaches revel in the fact that their experience and expertise help novice leaders establish themselves in the business world and avoid mistakes that could tarnish their reputation and hinder goal achievement.

“To succeed in business it is necessary to make others see things as you see them.”

- Aristotle Onassis