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What is an executive coaching plan? [free template]

minute read
Updated on:
January 6, 2023
January 6, 2023
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Executive coaching is taking the world by storm right now, and there’s good reason for that. It’s a new, exciting field with the potential for you to make a lot of money while you help someone grow - what could be better?

In case you haven’t heard the term, an executive coach is someone who helps people in a managerial or executive role reach their goals and develop their skills. They usually provide guidance and support through individual coaching sessions, group workshops, and team-building activities.

The popularity of executive coaching has grown significantly in recent years due to the increasing demand for executive-level positions. Companies are now looking for people with the skills and expertise to lead their organizations and take them to the next level.

Running your own executive coaching business can get very complicated, especially when you don't have a clear process outlined. If you find yourself wasting a lot of time on mundane tasks, setting appointments, or being unsure of what to focus on - you are destined to run into difficulties.

Having an efficient and comprehensive executive coach program template will save you tons of time and headaches and is the best way to get ahead as an executive coach.

How To Create an Executive Coaching Program Template?

Having an executive coach program template is crucial to your success as a coach, as it will help you stay organized and on track with your coaching sessions.

Creating an effective executive coaching plan requires careful thought and planning. You need to take the time to understand the individual's goals and objectives and then create a plan that is tailored to their needs.

We have listed the six steps to creating a comprehensive executive coaching program template below:

1. Create a Total Snapshot of Your Client's Strengths and Opportunities/Weaknesses

Take the time to understand your client’s individual goals and objectives, their strengths, and the areas where they need help. Having a clear understanding of the person you will be coaching will help you create a plan that is tailored to their needs and goals.

Think about what your client looks like and consider their industry, their job role, their challenges, and their goals. Having a crystal clear understanding of your client will help you to provide the most successful program for them.

2. Define What Executive Coaching Success Goals They Are Seeking To Achieve?

Once you have a good understanding of your client’s strengths and weaknesses, you can then begin to create a plan that is tailored to their needs. Having them define, in as much detail as possible, the goals that they want to achieve through working with you will give you both a roadmap for what to focus your energy on.

Make sure that you are setting realistic expectations with your clients when they are setting goals.

3. Set Time-Bound SMART Goals

SMART is an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals. Setting SMART goals will ensure that the individual and the coach have a clear understanding of what exactly needs to be achieved and by when.

  • Specific- Be as detailed and narrow as possible when setting goals so that you can plan more effectively.
  • Measurable- Define what evidence you will use to measure whether you are making progress with your goals or not.
  • Attainable- Ensure that you can reasonably accomplish your goals within the set time frame.
  • Relevant- Ensure that your goals align with your long-term vision and plan for success.
  • Time-Bound- Set a realistic yet ambitious end date for your goals, which will increase productivity and motivation.

For example, if your client wants to become a better public speaker, you might set a goal of giving five 30-minute presentations within the next six months. Then you could measure this progress as your client completes presentations.

It is important to set SMART goals to ensure that you and your client are clear on the direction of your program and you are able to measure their progress.

4. Session Management and Session Note Structure

Your executive coach program template should also include session management strategies and a session note structure. This will help you to organize and keep track of the sessions you have conducted, as well as any notes that were taken during each session.

Having a structure for your notes using a coaching session template will give you a better understanding of the progress made and provide a reference for future sessions, and will help you better manage your time during sessions. The session management and session note structure should include the following:

  • The date of the session
  • The duration of the session
  • The topics discussed
  • The goals and objectives set
  • Any actionable items that need to be taken
  • Follow-up tasks
  • Any feedback or observations from the session

5. Measure Outcomes on a Regular Basis

Your executive coach program template should include some way of measuring the outcomes of the sessions on a regular basis. This could be done through assessments or surveys and should be used to review the progress made and to identify any areas that need improvement.

Without regularly measuring the outcomes, you will have no way of knowing whether your client is truly making progress toward their goals or not. It’s important to have a mixture of objective measurements as well as subjective ones. You can’t rely solely on the client saying they ‘feel’ better; you must be able to back up this feeling with objective evidence as well.

6. Reassess Performance

Finally, it is also important to reassess the performance of your client regularly. This can be done through annual or bi-annual reviews or through a more comprehensive assessment.

This will not only help to identify any areas of improvement but will also ensure that the individual is meeting the goals that have been set out in the executive coach plan. This helps to improve the effectiveness of you as a coach, as well as the program as a whole.

Why Do Executive Coaches Need a Plan Template?

An executive coach program template is crucial because it keeps the coach organized, efficient, and accountable. It will also provide clear direction and guidance for each session, ensuring that you and the client are working towards the same goals.

A well-thought-out plan will also keep you focused on the most important issues and ensure that you are using your time efficiently.

An executive coach program template should include a clear understanding of the goals you have identified with the individual, the objectives you want to reach, and the steps that need to be taken to get there. It should also include a timeline of when each goal should be met and any check-in points that should be made along the way.

Wrap Up

As you progress in your executive coaching career, it’s very important to create a proper plan. Doing so will not only streamline your work; it will make you more professional and more effective as a coach.

The best thing you can do for yourself to help create an effective executive coach program template is to utilize tools that are designed to help you.

Bonsai's all-in-one product suite is your best bet!

You can get the best done-for-you coaching templates, business proposals, contracts, intake questionnaires, and feedback forms. Plus, our project management software features a time tracking tool that generates automatic timesheets to help you bill your clients accurately and get paid faster.

Start your 7-day free trial today and join the thousands of other coaches who are already reaping all of these benefits!

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