In my journey within the coaching space, one recurring question echoes from learners: What kind of coach can I become? Selecting a niche in coaching often boils down to a simple answer, choosing the group or segment you are passionate about.
But is passion alone sufficient to define your coaching niche? It’s a nuanced consideration. As specialized coaches, we often feel compelled to bring something unique to our chosen segment. However, the dynamic nature of coaching depends on the client—their needs and goals evolve session by session. Let’s delve into the potential distinctions and commonalities between life coaching and executive coaching.
Choosing Your Coaching Path
The coach prefixes their title based on their passion or experience, be it a parent coach, executive coach, CEO coach, relationship coach, or life coach. The title takes shape based on client needs and identified goals.
Goals and Focus
Life coaching initiates with an internal exploration of the client’s “Who.” On the other hand, executive coaching centres around external goals, especially those pertaining to the client’s role as an executive. It may involve teams and groups in addition to the individual.
Examples in Action
Life Coaching:
- Type of client: Anyone from any sphere of life.
- Goal: Enhancing confidence.
Executive Coaching:
- Type of client: Senior-level executive within an organization.
- Goal: Facilitating team collaboration for quarterly sales goals.
Digging Deeper
While the type of client may differ, the coaching process remains constant. The ICF Core Competencies hold true for both executive and life coaching. Presence, generative listening, powerful questioning, and empowering clients to move towards a resourceful state are universal coaching elements.
Life Coaching vs. Executive Coaching: A Gradual Convergence
Executive coaching often begins with a coach with executive experience, and expectations may include elements of mentoring. After several sessions, it subtly shifts from the “what” to the “who” of the client, resembling life coaching. However, the terminology remains executive coaching as the primary focus is coaching an executive.
In essence, all coaching is life coaching. The division between work and life is artificial; true mastery lies in partnering with the whole individual. Whether guiding an executive through corporate challenges or an individual on a personal growth journey, coaching, at its core, is about asking questions and fostering the belief that the client holds the answers within.
Repurposed from the blog: Life Coaching vs. Executive Coaching by Smita R.
Cover Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash
