What are management coaches? Though I don’t believe there is any set definition for a management coach, it is probably best to describe them as a combination of an executive coach and a leadership coach.

An Executive Coach is a Leadership Coach

It can effectively be argued that an executive coach is a leadership coach, and it can be said that to be a successful executive coach, you need to coach leadership. So, in essence, an executive coach is a leadership coach.

To make it more confusing, you can also consider executive coaches to be the same as management coaches.

What Do Management Coaches Do?

Management coaching is about drawing out the resources, skills, and creativity that already exists within someone. It may provide additional knowledge and skills, but it mostly draws on who the executive or manager already is. To bring these resources, skills, and creativity out, coaches help clients overcome obstacles and behaviors that are holding them back from achieving all they want to achieve.

One of the most important outcomes for executive or management coaching is to help clients improve their leadership skills. The importance of leadership in the business world can’t be emphasized enough. No matter how smart or experienced, an executive will not achieve optimal results if leadership skills are lacking.

Here are a few ways management coaches can help clients improve their leadership skills and have an even greater influence on the success of their companies.

• Improve self-confidence and self-esteem – a more confident leader is a better leader.
• Improve self-awareness – understanding their own actions and how they are perceived will allow executives to improve their skills and behaviors for the better of the company.
• Improve interpersonal relationships – leadership isn’t about being a dictator; it’s about forming positive relationships with both those above and beneath you on the corporate ladder.
• Build better communication skills – leadership means communicating goals, needs, strategies, and criticism in an effective and responsible manner.
• Help their clients create a more balanced work-life scenario – reduce stress, increase happiness, and improve energy levels for work.
• Learn ways to improve employee satisfaction – a satisfied employee is a better and more productive employee.

Why Call Yourself a Management Coach?

Sure, you can call yourself an executive coach like everyone else. Potential clients will understand what you do because they are more familiar with that term. But, do you want to stand out? Do you want to set yourself apart from the glut of executive coaches in the world?

You won’t find many management coaches when you search the Internet. This could be a new niche for you – one you could take as your own. Being a management coach might even appeal to a broader range of potential clients. More people consider themselves managers instead of executives. Usually only those in high level corporate positions consider themselves an executive. As a management coach, you could also attract lower level supervisors and managers who have the same issues and obstacles as high-level executives.

Executive coaches are becoming a dime a dozen, but management coaches are basically one in a million! Wouldn’t you rather be one in a million than a dime a dozen?

Give this strategy a try and see for yourself that it works. If you liked this coaching tip, leave a comment or use the handy bookmark buttons below to share it with others on Facebook, Twitter, Digg, etc. Thanks!

Fred Philips
Business Coach
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