Internal or External Executive Coach?

Increasingly organizations are utilizing coaches for the executives, leaders, and high potential employees.  The question is often whether to have an internal employee serve as the executive coach or to hire someone from outside the company.  Each option has both pros and cons.

Today’s blog post explores the pros and cons of an internal coach and the process for arranging the coaching and on Wednesday the focus is on an external coach.

Consider the pros and cons of an internal executive coach.

Pros:

• Familiarity with the company including the people, culture, and business aspects
• Soft cost because they are already salaried
• Easily accessible

Cons:

• Their position within the organization may interfere with the ability to have completely open conversations about people or some topics
• Additional costs, time, and resources are required to support an internal coach
• The one receiving the coaching may minimize the benefits of having the coach because it is ‘just part of their job’

When arranging for an internal executive coach, be sure the coach has first been trained in coaching and has developed competency.  Determine what the Code of Ethics is for the coaching relationship – consider both the ICF Code of Ethics and that of the company.  One of the biggest concerns is confidentiality.  If the coach is keeping notes on a company computer, what is the level of confidentiality?

Are there several people available for internal executive coaching?  If yes, then decide how you will match the coach with the coachee.  Will the coaching be done face to face or on the telephone?  There are advantages to each – currently 80% of coaching is on the telephone because of the benefits this approach offers.  If the coaching is face to face, then decide where it will happen.  How often will coaching sessions be scheduled?  The choices range from daily to periodically with weekly or bi-weekly the most typical.  What resources are available?  Ensure the coach has the appropriate equipment and determine whether access to a resource library or other training is appropriate.

Come back Wednesday for considerations of an external executive coach.