What are the top executive coaching trends you need to know?

AI-driven personalized coaching platforms that analyze leadership behaviour and provide real-time feedback, virtual reality (VR) simulations for immersive leadership training experiences, data analytics to track and measure coaching effectiveness, and the integration of chatbots and natural language processing for on-demand coaching support. These technologies enable more customized and data-driven coaching solutions, fostering rapid skill development and enhancing the overall impact of executive coaching programs.

I don't think there is one right way, not even hybrid. I disagree that people need to have face-to-face to have a connection that fosters rapport and trust. For me, I teach managers how to bring body language and increased, clear communication to virtual sessions with their direct reports. Is in-person easier for some, yes. Is it a crutch that prevents people from actively working on elevating their communication skills by relying on someone else to "pick up" on their body language, yes.

Hybrid coaching is not new at all. It existed way before Covid. I used to coach by phone up to 2011. Not having visual cues, you have to really deepen your presence. Far from AI !

When Covid changed the game, I sought actor's insight on how to 'reach the back row'. In the virtual room through the screen I have found simple things to make it more present like standing up to share full body language as well as nuances in voice, which changes standing up. When it comes to client's preferences of channel it is quite individual with one client preferring to fly in for a long walk together with the advantages of that confidence, whereas another client actually prefer 'the distance' of virtual talks.

Would recommend to be aware of the client's firm's position on this and not create another position to compete. Totally on board with the topic as an influence, but not so sure we as coaches should be setting a standard for our clients that may or may not align with their firm.

I'm not sure I'm sold on this. From what I can tell there are high hurdles for certification imposed by organizations that grant them. This seems reasonable enough and I think these are reasonable. But then for the industry to promote that you have to be supervised? Seems a little heavy, and self serving, to go this far. Coaching mentors? Very cool. Coaching associations to learn from? Awesome. Supervisors? Not so much.

Based on my 20 years experience as a certified executive coach, i am convinced about what Neuroscience and neutotechnologies may bring to Leaders. Cognitive neuroscience can offer valuable insights into the neural mechanisms behind our behaviors, emotions, and cognitive processes. It unveils how our brain processes information, generates emotions, and impacts decision-making. This understanding can assist leaders in comprehending their own reactions and those of others. Self-awareness is crucial for perceiving oneself accurately and objectively through thoughtful reflection and introspection. Consider engaging in VR assessments and serious video gaming to explore biases and enhance self-awareness.

No matter how professional a leader strives to be, he or she is still a human being with emotions and subsequent reactions and behavioural patterns. Gaining personal insight to these undoubtedly pave the way for not only developing leadership skills but also authenticity in their leadership. People follow people, not slides.

Based on my experience, integrating technology into executive coaching has been a game-changer ⚡️ Leveraging tools like Notion for organization, Slack for team communication, and Calendly for seamless scheduling, I've witnessed a notable enhancement in the coaching process. With platforms like Zoom and Google Workspace, real-time collaboration has never been smoother. Introducing AI-driven platforms, like ChatGPT and Midjourney, adds another layer of depth to client interactions. As coaches, adopting and mastering these digital tools isn't just beneficial; it's becoming essential. The future of executive coaching is here, and it's technologically charged 🤖

Businesses have been transforming in a big way towards being more responsible in their approach and contribution towards social and environmental aspects. Executive coaching offers the opportunity to bring about a holistic approach to life and business where social life and environmental life becomes more a way of life than a slogan or agenda. When the client goes deeper into their reflections on the coach triggered questions, they truly adopt a socially and environmentally responsible approach in all that they do.

Totally on board with being aware of the challenges and issues that affect a client. But not sure I'm on board with driving your agenda into their agenda.

Besides the obvious executive coaching stakeholders universe, boards are getting increasingly involved in coaching landscapes. They are expected to play more hands-on roles besides assigning the CXOs with external coaches. Their increasing involvement with leadership talent development is visible. They are coaxing leaders to bring on board Integrated dashboards and governance around coaching investments. These newer trends are going to be more mainstream in the coming years.

Monitoring the trends is a very commercial approach of coaching. Coaching is more about connecting with people. Humans were able to have a high quality coaching conversation before any fancy tools or techniques. Studying humans (body, psyche, consciousness, neuroscience …) seems more a personal journey than a race jumping from trend to trend.

I have seen an increase in executive coaching being embraced as part of change management on large scale transformation programs i.e. mergers, strategy implementation or even new tech business platform. To some extend it has always been, but it seems that it is now more formalised and an official part of the change roadmaps.