Executive Coaching: Lessons for Companies and Coaches

L Hilton The International Journal of Coaching in Organizations 2003

Surrenda and Thompson have undertaken a challenging task in this article as they attempt to identify common issues surrounding executive coaching and address possible solutions. This task is difficult because the field of executive coaching is still emergent, and covers a broad range of services under one name. The field itself is undergoing the same rapid pace of change that its organizational clients are experiencing, resulting in a scramble by organizations and coaches to match services to needs. This commentary attempts to expand on certain key points in areas where, it is hoped, more discussion will add to the usefulness for organizations, clients and coaches: executive coaching areas and outcomes; setting coaching objectives; coach qualifications; fees; and a “best case” case study that illustrates the positive outcomes of executive coaching.