Both mentors and executive coaches can have profound impacts on their clients. However, the two function in very different ways. If an executive coach begins to function as a mentor, clients lose the benefit of having an executive coach who asks powerful questions. And, if a mentor functions as an executive coach, the mentor is not providing the mentorship that they agreed to provide. It is essential for executive coaches and mentors to understand what their role is, and what

According to current research, up to 70% of adults will experience imposter syndrome at some point in their life (Mann, 2019). This is especially true for high achievers such as executives and business leaders. Imposter syndrome can have many negative consequences on quality of life, mental health, and business performance. Without proper knowledge on what imposter syndrome is and how to defeat it, executive coaches can miss the “red flags” of imposter syndrome and miss oppor

The 4-day workweek is likely one of the most successful work schedules that I have implemented in my career in terms of employee engagement, employee development, team readiness, and employee delight. Put simply, employees love 3-day weekends, and these can be created by a 4-10 work schedule. Let me explain. Years ago I ran a 24x7 operation with a central station and monitored services worldwide. We experimented with many different shift types and schedules. The worst of all

Quotes can be a great source of inspiration. They can also be used in coaching to convey concepts, start thought-provoking conversations, and introduce powerful questions. In today’s Insight article, we analyze the quote “when the student is ready, the teacher will appear…” We discuss the origins of the saying, potential applications, and powerful questions that can be used in coaching conversations. “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.” - Mark Van Doren Qu

The American Psychological Association defines unconditional positive regard as, “an attitude of caring, acceptance, and prizing that others express toward an individual...according to Carl Rogers [unconditional positive regard is] a universal human need essential to healthy development.” Unconditional positive regard is essential for development, self-awareness, self-worth, and personality growth. This concept has been highly revered in the psychology community but remains u

Currently, more than 60% of employees nationwide are not engaged in their work (Harter, 2021). Despite business leaders’ efforts to entice employees to engagement, recent statistics tell us that most employees still evade engagement strategies. How are today’s employees avoiding work and evading engagement? What are they doing to maintain their employment with minimal effort or output? “The practice of work avoidance is one of the highest arts of employment. Anyone can get th

Social media has become a central part of modern communication and technology, especially as younger generations enter the workforce. Today there are over 3 billion social media users worldwide (Oberlo, n.d.). Social media has become “a social lifeline” for many and is now a daily part of life (Molla, 2021). The influence and use of social media is a growing trend in today’s society. As social media continues to be a primary source of communication for many people, how can ex