TIME - For most executives, time is in short supply. Many executives, upon initial exposure, may not see coaching as necessary or important. For coaching to work, however, the commitment to regular collaborative conversations is critical.

EGO - Admit it or not, many executives have very strong egos!! The ego is part of the ability to advance, and it can get in the way, too! The coach must be sensitive to the executive, and achieve balance in delivering truths that may challenge an executive's perspective and opinion - and ego.

CONFIDENTIALITY AND TRUST - It is indeed often lonely at the top. Many executives are wary of outsiders. Talking openly with an outsider is a huge leap of trust. The professional coach must immediately build an environment of trust, confidentiality, and safety for the executive being coached.

PEER RESPECT - Many in the workplace do not understand the need for a professional coach. Those being coached may be subject to criticism and cynicism from others. It won't be long however, before the obvious benefits of executive coaching are seen by others. The advantages and benefits ARE visible, and soon those who mocked this practice will be scurrying for their own coach!

COMPATIBILITY - It is vital that a coach and executive be compatible, and quite frankly, this is not always possible. Coaches are trained and experienced to develop compatibility, but should this not occur, the executive may need to work with a different coach.

CREDIBILITY - An external coach often does not have experience in the field or industry in which he or she has been contracted to coach. Some may see this as a liability, but in most cases it becomes a strength. The external coach is not pre-biased, and brings open objectivity to any project. An external coach can clearly see personal and industry blind spots.

PERCEIVED DEPENDENCY - Some leaders believe they should "tough it out" alone, or that they have all they need for success. With that mind set, contacting a professional coach may be seen as a sign of weakness, or fostering continued dependency. Those who use professional coaches can tell you this is simply not so. A coach is not a crutch. A coach will not do the work for you, or drag you somewhere you don't want to go. A coach is a business asset. A coach empowers, inspires, mirrors, and facilitates - you do the work, and you experience the rewards. A professional coach promotes learning life skills. Like riding a bicycle, you don't forget them.

FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS - In troubled or challenged corporations or individual executive coaching situations, money can often be perceived as a "problem," and will be considered a major stumbling block. The costs for executive coaching range widely depending upon the services provided. Professional coaching must be viewed as an investment in the future. It provides a competitive edge that will yield increased profits and bottom line results. Executive coaching has quite literally saved the futures of whole corporations and individual careers. The coaching client must consider this a wise investment, not another debt. The return on investment in these cases is phenomenal.