What is the difference between Executive Coaching and Life Coaching?

Brad Elliott Coaching offers two kinds of coaching: Life Coaching and Executive Coaching. While similar, they are not the same. This blog outlines five main differences between Executive Coaching and Life Coaching:

1. Executive Coaching is focused on developing yourself so that you can be a better leader, improve your performance and hit your targets in a professional context, whereas Life Coaching takes a more holistic approach – it’s about helping you get balance in your life, improve relationships and enhance your overall well-being across different aspects of your life.

2. In Executive Coaching you will deal with work-related issues such as career transition, making better decisions, managing teams more effectively, develop strategic thinking as well as working on your personal leadership. The scope of Life Coaching is broader, looking at life satisfaction and how work fits into the overall scheme of your life.

3. Executive Coaching often has a higher level of accountability - the coach may work with the organization and stakeholders to set clear goals and monitor progress, so that there is alignment between the executive and the organization’s goals as a whole. In contrast, Life Coaching has largely self-directed accountability. A client of a life coach is responsible for their own goal-setting and progress; the coach supports, motivates and holds the client accountable during the process.

4. There are different performance metrics across the two disciplines. Success in Executive Coaching is usually measured by specific performance metrics and outcomes, such as improved leadership effectiveness, better productivity and achievement of organizational goals. Conversely, success in life coaching is subjective. It may vary depending on the individual goals of the client and they evaluate success based on their overall level of contentment, fulfilment, progress, improved relationships or enhanced well-being.

5. There may be a need to balance confidentiality in Executive Coaching with the organization’s interests. The coach often works in collaboration with other stakeholders, maintaining discretion while also addressing the overall organizational requirements. Life Coaching, on the other hand, is usually highly confidential and private. Full confidentiality is a must and the life coach will maintain strict ethical standards to be able to provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore personal matters.