What assumptions does an executive coach make about the executives mental health status?
When doing executive enhancement consulting, you assume that the executive is psychologically sturdy and can tolerate careful examination of her executive performance. You also assume she is capable of changing her job-related behaviors without becoming too anxious. Many of the reactions of mentally healthy executives to the executive coaching process are similar to what you see in clinical populations; however, do not to jump to the conclusion that the executive is psychologically disturbed. Most executives have never carefully examined their behavior with another person; nor have they ever used a consultant to plan and implement personal, behavior change programs. It is normal for them to be ill at ease at first; not to be so, suggests overly permeable personality boundaries. When coaching executives referred by the company because of problematic executive behavior, assume that the executive is psychologically sturdy and can tolerate careful examination of her executive performance.
