“So, you are now doing Life Coaching, I see,” a friend recently said. I should have asked, “What led you to that conclusion?” but instead I came out swinging:
“I am an Executive Leadership Coach.”
Life Coaching is a valid profession, that fills a nitch in our culture. But it is far from what I do as an Executive Leadership Coach.
As an Executive Coach, I am concerned with the behavior of my client. Together we will pursue behaviors that have a positive impact on the business. The ultimate goal is not happiness, although happiness does tend to result from leading with behaviors that are making a positive impact. The difference is in the goal.
Life Coaching is concerned with the personal life of the individual. Executive Coaching is concerned with the business behavior of the client. What we accomplish will most likely carry an impact at home and in other relationships, but that is not the arena in which I work.