How to get the most out of executive coaching

Executives and leaders alike are not only responsible for guiding organisations to meet their business objectives but also guiding the people who play a crucial role in meeting these goals. Given the rapid changes experienced in the workplace, particularly over the last few years, maximising on coaching opportunities is key to extract the most value and effectively implement key strategies that benefit the wider organisation. 

At Robert Walters, our executive coaching service helps leaders to be their best selves while driving value for their organisations. Our expert coaches are sourced from a portfolio of industry-leading professionals who have guided top leaders utilising proven assessment tools and best-in-class coaching methodologies. However, many executives are unsure of how to get the most out of their executive coaching and often find themselves investing time without seeing a true benefit.

What is executive coaching? 

Executive coaching is a personalised, goal-oriented process that supports leaders in enhancing their performance, decision-making, and interpersonal effectiveness. Through one-on-one sessions with a certified coach, executives gain clarity, build self-awareness, and develop strategies to overcome challenges.

It helps align leadership behaviours with business goals, fosters a culture of continuous improvement, and supports succession planning. 

At Robert Walters, our executive coaching programme is defined by going beyond personal development and giving executives the tools they need to make a lasting impact. 

The benefits of executive coaching

Executive coaching delivers a range of impactful benefits for both leaders and organisations. It enhances performance by helping leaders identify blind spots and develop actionable strategies, while also improving communication with teams and stakeholders. Coaching fosters better conflict resolution, increases self-awareness, and strengthens leadership style. Most importantly, it gives leaders the confidence to guide their organisations through periods of growth and change to drive real business impact. 

Five ways to get the most out of executive coaching

1. Get paired with the right coach

When embarking on executing coaching, it’s crucial to partner with a coach that approaches each session with the goal to help you unlock potential and uncover your own solutions as part of the self-discovery process.

Getting paired with the right executive coach is one of the most critical factors in a successful coaching experience. The ideal coach should not only have strong credentials and relevant industry experience but also align with the leader’s personality, values, and goals.

A good coach will challenge assumptions, offer fresh perspectives, and tailor their approach to the leader’s unique context. It’s also important to consider coaching style: some leaders thrive with a direct, results-driven coach, while others benefit from a more reflective, exploratory approach.

The right coach acts as a strategic partner, helping leaders unlock their potential and drive meaningful change. Investing time in the pairing process pays dividends in long-term leadership growth.

Our coaches provide insight based on years of experience but do not have a predetermined outcome in mind. Instead, our coaches enable their clients to confidently make decisions about their current and future path while developing themselves along the way. 

2. Prepare your own goals ahead of time

At the start of your executive coaching journey, determine what your objectives are for the coaching. While our executive coaching service is developed around clear action plans and tailored for everyone’s unique needs, it’s beneficial to approach the coaching with your personal goals. By sharing these goals with your coach ahead of time, you’ll be able to track your progress throughout the coaching relationship.  

3. Complete any tasks recommended by your coach

Completing tasks recommended by your coach is a pivotal step in the executive coaching journey because it transforms insight into action. Coaching conversations often uncover blind spots, clarify goals, and spark new ways of thinking but without follow-through, these breakthroughs risk fading into abstraction.

Any tasks, from reading articles, to engaging with someone in the workplace, or testing out a communication style are designed to reinforce learning. Tasks also provide a structure for accountability, helping leaders stay focused and intentional between sessions. 

4. Evaluate your progress alongside your coach

Evaluating your progress alongside your coach is a vital part of the executive coaching journey because it ensures that growth is intentional, measurable, and aligned with your goals. Regular check-ins create space to reflect on what’s working, what’s shifting, and where further development is required.  

This step helps you stay accountable and course-correct if necessary, preventing stagnation. It also deepens self-awareness by connecting actions and outcomes to your leadership vision. With your coach’s guidance, you can celebrate wins, unpack challenges, and refine strategies. Tracking your progress in this way will also help you determine whether you’re seeing any benefit from executive coaching. 

5. Commit to your coaching sessions

Committing to the coaching process is foundational to achieving meaningful growth as a leader. It signals a readiness to invest time, energy, and vulnerability into your development. Coaching is not a passive experience; it requires active participation, openness to feedback, and a willingness to challenge long-held beliefs or habits.

While it’s true that you some people may need to change their coach due to misalignment, doing this too early in the journey may result in more than one change which can slow down your progress. By staying committed over time, you can evaluate the fit of your coach and determine if they’re supporting you in achieving your goals.

Executive coaching is most effective when approached with intention, consistency, and openness. By committing to the process, completing tasks, evaluating progress, and staying actively engaged, leaders unlock deeper self-awareness and accelerate meaningful growth. Each of the five steps shared in this article plays a crucial role in turning coaching insights into lasting impact. Whether you're navigating change, stepping into a bigger role, or refining your leadership style, these practices help you get the most out of your coaching experience.