The field of executive coaching is undergoing a transformation, driven by technological advancements and a deeper understanding of human potential. While AI and digital platforms make their mark, the core of transformative coaching remains deeply human.
Liza Stead, GM of CoachMatching, explains the current buzz around AI-powered coaching tools, but cautions against overestimating their impact on high-level executives.
“There is a great deal of coverage around the use of coach bots and AI tools for coaching in coaching circles at present,” she says. “It is unlikely that executives facing complex leadership and business challenges will utilise digital coaches. In fact, there is a level of frustration with the bot format and question-and-answer process that frustrates humans.
“There is nothing preventing a leader from using AI tools to get quick answers to questions and as productivity aids, and this often forms part of the coaching process; however, the executives still seek a human connection with their coach.”
She adds that what will distinguish leaders and coaches in the future is their ability to use and leverage technology, and to supplement this as part of the coaching process with a human coach.
“What is now established in the coaching world is the use of digital coaching platforms where organisations use the platforms for the activation and management of coaching assignments. These fast-track the onboarding of the coaching assignment with some of the high-level coaching goals already being defined, then followed by the coach matching process.
“Leaders have the opportunity to review coach profiles, view a short video clip of the potential coach, and book an online coaching chemistry session, which means that they can have registered their coaching, matched two to three suitable coaches, and had chemistry sessions all within a few hours or days. In a fast-paced, time-poor executive’s life, this can profoundly aid them in this process rather than a high-touch, manual process.”
However, Liza clarifies that “Digital coaching and coach bots are better suited to performance coaching and goal attainment coaching,” often used for more junior employees. For high-level executives, she says the need for a significant, human-driven approach remains essential.
According to professional certified integral coach, Trish Lees, beyond technology, executive coaching is increasingly integrating group and team coaching approaches.
“Group and team coaching adds another dimension to individual coaching by fostering systemic learning and transformation. These methods offer a powerful way to foster alignment and tap into collective intelligence.”
Trish also expresses excitement about incorporating neuroleadership principles, as she believes understanding how the brain responds to challenges and decision-making can significantly enhance coaching effectiveness.
“Neuroleadership principles can be leveraged to optimise change processes and enhance learning and development outcomes. By combining the insights from neuroscience in coaching, I believe we can create more effective, sustainable shifts in habits and performance.”
Looking ahead on how the role of executive coaching could evolve in the future of work, Liza foresees a rise in “mentor-coaching where a leader seeks great value in both a thinking partner and a trusted adviser.
“Leading in the higher levels of the organisation can be a lonely experience, as with the transitioning leader into their next-level role, and they are increasingly seeking an executive coach who has walked this road before them, and who can therefore both coach and guide.
“Executive coaches are also enlisted as holistic wellbeing partners. Gone are the days when coaching is only for purely transactional business outcomes. A healthy body, heart and mind are important to bring innovative and creative thinking to the organisation, and to solve complex people and business challenges.”
While aligning coaching programmes to the needs of the organisation is imperative, Trish notes that there is a clear and exciting shift towards holistic, sustainable leadership development. This shift, according to her, recognises the interconnectedness of leadership with broader societal impacts.
“Coaching is moving beyond traditional performance metrics to include fostering emotional intelligence, empathy, and mindfulness. Leaders are being empowered to adopt a future-fit, people-centred style of leadership that values collaboration, sustainability, and the well-being of both people and the planet.”
“With this broader focus, executive coaching is helping leaders contribute to a more balanced world where businesses thrive while positively impacting humanity as a whole.”
