Below are the longitudinal results from the last four years of our Executive Coaching. We asked participants a series of prompts after receiving 7 sessions of executive coaching with a board certified, highly credentialed ICF certified coach.
Themes from Qualitative Responses
We asked: Please explain how your leadership has improved because of your executive coaching.
Eight themes emerged, supported by participant quotes:
Increased Self-Awareness and Emotional Regulation
Leaders reported heightened awareness of their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, helping them respond more effectively to situations and regulate their mindset under pressure.
“I am more self-aware. I am clear on who I am which allows me to lead with a more clear view of all of the scenarios that arise.”
“My level of awareness of my behavior, attitudes, and dispositions has greatly impacted my leadership.”
“It has allowed me to have better control of my monkey mind and a better conversation with myself during difficult moments.”
Greater Intentionality in Leadership
Many participants described becoming more intentional in their actions, communication, and alignment to values, leading with clarity, purpose, and presence.
“I am much more intentional now with how I show up for my staff.”
“One way my leadership has improved is by becoming more intentional about my daily work.”
“I now better understand how to align my daily actions with my Standards of Integrity.”
Confidence, Clarity, and Decisiveness
Several leaders said coaching helped validate their strengths and build confidence, allowing them to make clearer, faster, and more values-aligned decisions.
“I have a better understanding on how to be an effective leader who can get results. I have a sense of confidence that I did not have before.”
_“With the conversations I had and the 360 Assessment, I realized I wasn’t giving myself enough credit.”
“I am able to be more decisive and clearer with my staff.”_
Strengthened Relationships and Team Leadership
Through improved emotional intelligence and communication, participants deepened their relationships with team members, resulting in more trust, coaching, and shared ownership.
“I’ve fostered shared ownership and accountability by building stronger relationships with my team.”
“These conversations have made our leadership team meetings better because the individual relationships are being fostered.”
“I’ve become more empathetic and actively listen.”
Delegation and Empowerment of Others
Many leaders noted letting go of control and empowering others as a major area of growth. Coaching helped them delegate more effectively and trust others’ capabilities.
“I’ve learned to trust my administrative team and let them blossom while I oversee the duties.”
“I have learned to delegate more and seek out those wanting more responsibility.”
“I have been able to balance work and my life more due to being aware and reflective.”
Reflective Practice and Strategic Thinking
Participants emphasized how reflection, both structured and spontaneous, helped them slow down, think more critically, and plan with greater impact.
“It has shaped me into a more thoughtful and reflective practitioner.”
“I spend more time reflecting on the type of leader I want to be.”
“I’ve become more strategic in aligning actions with core values.”
Self-Care as a Foundation for Leadership
Leaders saw their own well-being as essential to strong leadership and began implementing small but impactful habits.
“I am more intentional with taking care of me first before stepping into the role.”
“My health has improved, my systems and routines have improved… I am able to continue making a positive impact.”
“By ensuring I show up in the right mindset… I am physically, mentally, and emotionally prepared.”
Practical Tools for Sustained Growth
Participants repeatedly mentioned using tools like the Life Script, Green Lens, and 360 Feedback to set goals, reflect, and refine their leadership approach.
“Creating and living out my Life Script has anchored me in a clearer sense of purpose.”
“I now ask myself: What am I doing? What am I communicating? What message are my actions sending?”
“The tools and resources… have been relevant and I have personally used them on campus.”
