A method to improve the coach-participant match in executive coaching

Abstract

To prepare executives for the competitive and dynamic world of business, MBA and EMBA programmes have begun using executive coaching to develop high-functioning executives. Of the top 10 EMBA programmes discussed in the 2011 US News and World Report, all offered some form of executive coaching to their students. Despite this, many programmes are unsure of how to effectively utilise coaching with their students. This article presents a four-step method developed to facilitate student self-awareness and optimise matching with an executive coach. Because of the critical importance of the coach-participant match in coaching outcome, this method is presented as a way to optimise the efficiency and effectiveness of executive coaching with MBA and EMBA students.