Executive coaching should operate to agreed recognised standards.What I mean by that is that coaches should work to internationally recognised best practice and standards and are usually associated with a professional body such as EMCC. They also often work under supervision. They will agree the contractual arrangements with the client and coachee, following a fairly standardised process. However, once in the coaching space the agenda is led by the coachee and the content of the discussion, accept for prior jointly agreed elements, is confidential. In addition, as mentioned above, the coach will call on different models, frameworks and experiences to suit the needs of the coachee. In this way the coachee experience is not standardised, it differs and fluctuates according to the need. In some cases, for example, the coachee may decide the organisation is not right for them or identify additional areas for development. The most important part for the client is to work with a reputable coach and be accepting that while the output can be guided, it cannot be directed by the client. Once the process is agreed it is a coachee led experience.

But isn’t each individual different in an organization? While we cater to the organization’s need, how can we ensure that we’re catering to the individual’s needs as well?