Executive Coaching

JESSICA STONE, PhD, PCC, is an executive coach, psychologist, author, and editor specializing in leadership development, executive functioning, and the thoughtful integration of psychology and technology into coaching practice. She works with leaders, professionals, and organizations to strengthen self-awareness, decision-making, relational effectiveness, and sustainable performance. Drawing on decades of experience across psychology, coaching, writing, and training, Stone brings a psychologically grounded, practice-oriented perspective to executive coaching. Her work includes the development of a meaning-based approach to coaching that examines the internal processes shaping perception, behavior, adaptation, and change, explored more fully in her forthcoming book Meaning-Based Coaching. She is the editor of Executive Coaching: Perspectives and Practices Across the Field and the author and editor of numerous books on psychology, technology, and human development.

• List of Contributors ixAuthor’s Note xiPreface xiiiBios xvGenerative AI Usage Statement xlvForeword xlviiIntroduction: An Exploration of Coaching Perspectives liLauren Berlin1 Chemistry Calls: What Role Do Chemistry Calls Play in Establishing Rapport and Setting Mutual Expectations Between Coach and Client? What Is the Key Component You Find to Have Value in These Calls? 12 The Contracting Process in Coaching: Beyond the Basics: What Are the Key Components of an Effective Coaching Contract, Why, and How Do They Set the Stage for a Successful Coaching Relationship? 273 Foundational Approach: How Does Your Foundational Coaching Approach Influence Both Your Methodology and the Outcomes for Your Client (Beyond the Basics)? Why Is This Important? 514 Coaching— Mentoring— Advising: What Are the Distinguishing Components Between Coaching, Mentoring, and Advising? What Are the Slippery Areas Between These and How Can These Be Incorporated Without Compromising the Integrity of the Coaching Engagement? 755 Credentialing: What Are the Important Reasons for Credentialing in Executive Coaching? How Does This Impact Credibility and Client Trust, or Not? 996 Competency: What Are the Core Competencies of an Executive Coach? How Can Coaches Continuously Improve Their Skill Set? 1217 Cultural Humility and Intersectionality: How Can Coaches Ensure They Bring Cultural Humility and an Intersectional Lens to Their Coaching Practice? Why Is This Important? 1478 Early Career Advice: What Are the Most Valuable Lessons for New Executive Coaches in Establishing Their Coaching Point of View and Building a Client Base? What Would You Say to Your Younger Coach Self? 1719 Handling Emotional/Psychological Topics (Sticky Situations): How Can Executive Coaches Navigate Situations When a Client Presents Psychological or Emotional Issues Beyond the Coach’s Expertise? When Is It Time to Refer Elsewhere (Another Coach with Expertise, a Therapist, Psychiatrist, etc.)? 19310 Coaching Beyond the Workplace: How Can Changes in Communication Style and Personal Development Through Coaching Impact a Client’s Relationships and Social Life Outside of Work? 21511 Ethical Considerations: What Are the Most Significant Ethical Challenges in Executive Coaching, and How Can Coaches Navigate Them Responsibly? 23512 Assessments: What Are the Best Practices for Using Assessments in Executive Coaching, and How Can They Contribute to Tailored Coaching Solutions? What Are Your Top Two Assessments (If Applicable)? 25913 Coach— Knowing Self: Why Is Self- Awareness Critical for Executive Coaches? How Might Deeper Self- Understanding Cultivate a More Powerful Coaching Engagement? 28514 Client— Knowing Self: How Can Executive Coaches Help Clients Increase Self- Awareness and Leverage It for Personal and Professional Growth? How Might This Contribute to Their Coaching Journey? 30715 Digital Tools: How Are Digital Tools Transforming Executive Coaching, and What Are the Benefits and Challenges of Their Use? What Are Your Top Two Digital Tools (If Applicable)? 32916 Resilience: Resilience Is a Commonly Discussed Concept in Organizations. What Does This Mean to an Individual? To a Team? To a Company? What Strategies Can Executive Coaches Use to Help Their Clients Build Resilience? 35317 Leadership: What Do You Consider to Be the Key Components of Leadership Development in Coaching? How Can Coaches Identify and Foster Leadership Skills in Their Clients? 37718 Imposter Syndrome: In What Ways Does Imposter Syndrome Impact Clients? How Can Executive Coaches Help Clients Recognize and Overcome Imposter Syndrome, Particularly in High- Stakes Environments? 40119 Return on Investment (ROI): What Are Your Successful Ways to Measure and Communicate the ROI of Coaching Services to Organizations and Clients? 42320 The Future of Coaching: How Is the Landscape of Executive Coaching Evolving? What New Trends and Approaches Should Coaches Prepare for? What Words of Wisdom Would You Like to Impart to Newer Coaches? 447Conclusion 473Index 479Endorsements 483