For those who are interested, there is an extended version of the study available on the web at the url above.

While I could give a summary on each topic listed in the report, it would do you a disservice as the context and nuances would be lost. Instead, here is what I find valuable about the Sherpa Report.

1. Thorough Covering of Topics

The Sherpa report is thorough and covers many aspects of executive coaching from standards of practice, the coaching process, and licensing and regulation to training and certification, and assessments in coaching. (Just take a look at the table of contents for the full scope of what is covered.)

I would have loved to have seen income ranges for executive coaches as well as any income differences between internal and external coaches. This would give prospective coaches the answer to an often asked question: Can I replace my current income as a coach?

In the extended report online, you can see the hourly fees charged with percentages and much more. (Check the ‘What Makes a Great Coach’ section.)

2. Trend Spotting (and How to Use Them)

Since this is the 7th annual report on executive coaching, the authors can compare results to those from previous years. When they do that they can see trends developing. One example of this is the trend towards teaching managers and executives coaching skills. If you’re a curriculum designer or practitioner (as per the ‘Themes’ in the report), this may be of interest to you.

3. Feedback from Coaches and Those Who Hire Coaches (and How to Use Them)

Since the survey is based on feedback from coaches and those who hire coaches, you get a unique perspective on what’s really happening in the field. For instance, when it comes to ‘standards of practice for coaching’ (page 4) – the two groups have opposing viewpoints. If I was an executive coach who wanted to get the contract and/or differentiate myself from other coaches, this would have me ponder how I could give HR, or those who are doing the hiring, what they deem to be essential.

If you’re wondering who to aim your coaching services or program at, you’ll find the ‘Who gets a coach? 5 year trends’ chart and summary on pages 6-7 valuable. You’ll learn what level of management is getting coached and what is driving any changes. Combine this with the ways coaching is being used (p. 8-12) and you’ll have some hints as to how to taylor your programs.

Note: While the Sherpa report can give you some valuable insights into the current realities and trends in executive coaching, you still need to know the needs and wants of the organization you’re working with or want to work with. The needs and wants of your organization may differ from the results contained in the report.

If you’ve already checked out the report, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

In this 30-page report you will find answers to:

• What makes a good executive coach?
• How is coaching used?
• Who gets a coach?
• and much, much more…

The survey was answered by almost 700 people from a variety of backgrounds as well as universities and large companies.

To download it visit: Sherpa Executive Coaching Survey 2011

The Wall Street Journal included a short article and video about executive coaching on it’s site on April 10, 2008.  It focuses on a family business that needed help to get to the next level.  The two brothers hired an executive coach to give them the tools, strategies and accountability needed to do so.

There are also about two dozen comments by coaches and others who read the article.

To see the video visit:  Executive Coaching – Worth the Money?

Second Fastest Growing Profession
Cursor down to ‘National Post – The second-fastest growing profession (April 4, 2007)