Getting Started With Coaching: A Guide for Academic Leaders

Long used in the business world, there is growing interest in executive and leadership coaching in higher education. Coaching provides benefits to leaders at every level of academia, from chairs and center directors to emerging or first-time leaders.

The use of leadership and executive coaches in higher education is a relatively new but growing practice. Many faculty leaders come into academic administration after long and successful careers in research. They may find they need to strengthen or develop a different set of skills to be successful in academic leadership. Individuals who have worked with a coach often self-report improvements in confidence, work performance, and communication. Coaches can be particularly useful to help people:

• strengthen their leadership skills

• navigate career transitions

• improve communication skills

• address challenges 

• improve and increase self-awareness

• achieve specific personal or professional goals

Universities, or schools and units within them, benefit from creating a culture where coaching is an essential element of leadership development. It should not be seen as a punishment reserved for individuals who are “in trouble”. Instead, coaching can be offered to faculty moving into leadership roles as an indication of the university’s investment in their success and continued growth. Another option is to include funding for a coaching engagement in a new faculty member’s offer package.

Selecting a coach

Given the number of coaches out there, it can be challenging to know how to assess and select the right coach for you. Most coaches offer a no-cost introductory session. This initial meeting is an opportunity to learn more about the coach and determine if you want to work with them. Below are topics you may want to explore with a potential coach before you make a decision:

• What is their philosophy around coaching?

• How would they describe their coaching style?

• What would you experience in a coaching session with them?

• Do they use any specific tools, assessments, or techniques in their coaching?

• How do they measure progress and success? 

• Do they have specific areas of expertise that are important to you?

• How long is the average coaching engagement?

• What support (if any) do they offer between coaching sessions?

Selecting a coach also involves a fair amount of personal preference. In an introductory meeting, you want to try to get a feel for the coach and if you think you will be a good fit for each other. This may include assessing the coach’s energy level or their level of attentiveness and active listening. You should confirm that their working hours or hours of availability align with your schedule. It can also be helpful to solicit referrals from people in your network, and to ask the potential coach for a reference from a past client. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with your coach!