What is the Difference Between a Business Coach and an Executive Coach?

What is the difference between a business coach and an executive coach? I break down their roles, expertise and target outcomes for you.

If you’re a leader, manager or business owner and thinking about getting a coach to help you move through some issues and level up, you may be wondering what kind of coach to employ.

What’s the difference between a business coach and an executive coach?

The fundamental distinction between business coaching and executive coaching is that a business coach deals primarily with the success of the organisation itself, and an executive coach deals with the individual as a whole person, including their relationship to the business.

Both will help you succeed, but one focuses on the business and its systems and processes, while the other focuses on you and your skills.

Although there’s some overlap, let’s look at the specialty areas of each and how they can help you or your business get the edge you’re looking for.

Decide What Kind of Help You Need

If your main concerns and stress points are around issues in your business, then a business coach would be the best choice. Look for someone who has previous experience in owning a business, and preferably within or related to your industry.

Business coaches tend to work with business owners, entrepreneurs and teams to enhance the overall performance and success of the organisation.

If you feel like you need help in personal development areas that play into your work performance – such as work/life balance, clarity of purpose, stress management, energy levels, or leadership – then talking with an executive coach would be the better option.

Executive coaches tend to work with people who want to improve their overall personal effectiveness in all areas of their life.

Of course, you can employ a both a business coach and an executive coach, and there are many successful leaders who do exactly that. If the combination is right, this can significantly amplify your results.

The Different Focus Areas of Coaching Types

Business coaches help their clients by:

• Looking at and analysing the company’s finances and working with the leader on budgeting and financial forecasting.
• Getting involved in strategic planning and gaining clarity around the organisation’s goals, direction, and products or services.
• Assessing and improving operational processes and structures to maximise efficiencies and productivity.
• Making sure the marketing program is fit for purpose and effective in increasing revenue and profits.

Executive coaches help you by:

• Getting you to understand yourself, and your strengths and values, so you can align your actions and behaviours with your authentic self.
• Encouraging you to think about your desired lifestyle and priorities such as family and health, and how your work-life integration fits into the broader context.
• Embedding good habits and systems into your life so you can operate to your full potential with energy and enthusiasm, both at work and at home.
• Providing you with the tools you need to improve your leadership and communication skills, and developing your ability to effectively manage and motivate people.

The Outcomes of Business Coaching vs Executive Coaching

When you work with a business coach, possible outcomes may include:

• A clear and compelling vision for the business, and a strategic pathway to get there.
• An appropriate structure and smart processes in place to maximise operational efficiency.
• A workplace where everyone is aligned to a common purpose and working and collaborating to achieve individual, team and organisational goals.
• The successful implementation of growth initiatives.
• More customers, more revenue, and more profits.

When working with an executive coach, target outcomes may include:

• A better sense of clarity and direction, purpose, and meaning.
• A healthy work/life balance and more enjoyable family life.
• High levels of motivation and engagement at work and home.
• An ability to drive corporate culture and inspire people.
• Living your desired lifestyle and feeling optimistic and confident about the future.

How to Choose the Right Coach

Firstly, think about what problems you want to solve and what results you want to get.

If you can, get a local coach who you can work with you in-person.

Look at their experience, qualifications and testimonials.

Lean towards coaches who seem to fit well with your own values and philosophy.

Do your research, ask questions, and go with someone you connect with on a personal level.

Whether you decide to work with a business coach, an executive coach, or both, all the evidence suggests you’ll get an outstanding ROI, someone you can trust and confide in, and an expert to help you work through challenges so you can get the business and lifestyle you really want.

Working with an executive coach can help you level up your leadership game and give you a better sense of clarity and direction, purpose, and meaning.

Get in touch if you’d like to find out more.