Coaching leaders toward favorable trajectories of burnout and engagement

Abstract

Existing literature on executive coaching has shown beneficial outcomes for leaders. Indeed, executive coaching can positively affect an individual’s psychological well-being and quality of work life. However, while burnout among leaders is on the rise, to our knowledge no prior study has investigated the influence of executive coaching on the dimensions of burnout and engagement concurrently. Therefore, the aim of the current study is to examine if an executive coaching intervention has positive effects on managerial burnout and engagement. We implemented a ten-week coaching intervention for leaders, where questionnaire data were collected at two time points. Participants (N = 92; Mage = 42; 64% male) were randomly assigned to an intervention or a wait-list control group. Self-reported levels of engagement and burnout were collected at the start of the study protocol (T1) and at the end (T2). Coaching sessions for the intervention group were one hour once per week. The control group did not receive coaching. Repeated measures ANOVAs examined the extent to which the intervention influences the leader’s engagement and burnout. Analyses revealed that all three dimensions of burnout significantly decreased for the intervention group over time while vigor increased. Findings did not reveal an increase in dedication and absorption. Consistent with prior literature, this study supports that executive coaching can improve a leader’s well-being. Specifically, this study shows that an executive coaching intervention can decrease burnout symptoms and increase vigor in leaders. Adding a follow-up survey to the design would allow for further exploration of the intervention on engagement.

The coaching and leadership burnout paradox

“…In recent decades, the role of external coaches for leaders has significantly expanded, with organizations increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of coaching interventions (Mihiotis and Argirou, 2016;Brooks et al, 2023). While existing literature has extensively explored coaching's positive effects on managerial performance, decision-making and organizational outcomes, a noticeable gap exists in our understanding of how a coach's presence might influence the burnout of leaders seeking their guidance (Hamlin et al, 2008;Athanasopoulou and Dopson, 2018;Carvalho et al, 2022).…”

“…In recent decades, the role of external coaches for leaders has significantly expanded, with organizations increasingly recognizing the potential benefits of coaching interventions (Mihiotis and Argirou, 2016; Brooks et al. , 2023).…”