Everything to Know About Executive Functioning Coaching for Adults
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Ever feel like you wake up to an overwhelming amount of to-do’s and not nearly enough hours in the day? Do you find yourself avoiding or procrastinating on those dreadfully boring or difficult “must do” projects, hoping that tomorrow, you’ll be more motivated than you are today?
While many people can relate to these issues from time-to-time, others struggle to a point where it significantly impacts their job performance and well-being. For some, this is where an executive functioning coach (EF coaching) for adults can help.
What Is an Executive Functioning Coach for Adults?
An executive functioning coach for adults specializes in helping individuals strengthen various aspects of their professional and personal lives by improving skills such as time management, self-control and goal setting—just to name a few.
Understanding Executive Functioning
To fully understand EF coaching, we first need to understand executive functioning. Executive functioning refers to what’s sometimes called the “CEO Brain,” a set of cognitive processes that enable people to manage their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors in order to achieve their goals and complete tasks effectively. Many adults struggle with executive functioning challenges, whether due to neurodevelopmental conditions like ADHD, or simply as a result of the demands of modern life.
Often people don’t notice executive functioning challenges until they have a significant increase in responsibility, whether that be at work or in their personal life. Common examples include becoming a parent or going from an individual contributor to managing a team. Where once they could work extra hours, now that “extra” time is unavailable or less flexible. With increased responsibilities and reduced time, executive functioning skills become essential to maintain a productive and fulfilling life.
3 Types of Adults Who Use Executive Functioning Coaching
In my coaching practice, adults who seek EF coaching often share key struggles with time and priority management, communication skills, and self-confidence. Coaching provides a confidential thought partnership where individuals can discuss their challenges, learn the latest information on executive functioning, and explore solutions.
Below are some of the most common types of people I serve through executive functioning coaching for adults.
1. Entrepreneurs and Founders
Entrepreneurs and founders wear many hats and juggle numerous responsibilities simultaneously. EF coaching can help them streamline their workflows and prioritize tasks in order to maximize productivity. The overarching outcome here is a greater focus on what they do best and customized support systems that contribute to success in their ventures.
2. Parents
Parenting can be incredibly demanding, requiring individuals to manage multiple schedules, household tasks, and childcare responsibilities—often in addition to full-time employment. Coaching provides parents with strategies to better organize their time and a supportive space to talk about how to maintain a healthy work-life balance. It can also assist parents struggling with children who face executive functioning issues such as ADHD.
Note: Go here for more on my approach to coaching for women and parents.
3. Managers
Managers must also possess strong executive functioning skills to effectively lead teams, meet deadlines, and think strategically to achieve company goals. Executive functioning coaching can equip them with the techniques necessary to enhance their leadership abilities, improve communication/collaboration, and foster a positive work environment.
Executive Functioning Coaches for Adults: What They Do
An effective EF coach for adults is a guide who understands the nuances of executive functioning. They can provide, tailored support, education, and tools to help their clients function more productively. A qualified EF coach should have specialized training and experience in coaching individuals who have EF challenges.
Below are some examples of how an executive functioning coach supports their clients.
Address each individual’s work and life challenges in order find solutions
Identify personal strengths and values in order to help clients plan for their future in a meaningful way
Help set motivating, exciting and meaningful goals
Develop customized strategies for improvement without overwhelm
Share best practices for countering challenges such as procrastination or Imposter Syndrome
Educate and share the latest research on executive functioning
Provide positive regard and support
While this list is not exhaustive, it provides a good background on some of the most common focuses of executive functioning coaching for adults.
Common Outcomes of Executive Functioning Coaching
A successful engagement with an EF coach can result in tangible improvements in multiple areas of the client's life. Through personalized approaches, individuals learn to lean into their strengths while mitigating their challenges using practical executive functioning tools and techniques. Coaching empowers individuals to strike a balance where they can excel in their professional endeavors while maintaining a rewarding personal life. Here are some of the most common outcomes you can expect from this resource.
Improved time management and prioritization
Within the first few coaching sessions, clients often go from feeling overwhelmed by a massive list of “to-do’s” to having a priority list of their most important goals. Often people waste time by checking Slack or email way too often or putting others’ priorities ahead of their own. Through thoughtful discussion and guidance with a coach, clients gain clarity around their most important short and long-term goals.
As priorities become clear, the coach and client brainstorm best practices to reach those goals. Through coaching, clients capture new insights that enable them to take meaningful action without wasting time on less important distractions. This process results in more effective time management and focus.
Increased self-confidence.
Struggling with executive function challenges can significantly influence self-perception—often not for the better. While knowledge around executive functioning has grown, people still mischaracterize EF challenges as laziness, lack of intelligence, and even selfishness. The result of such negative feedback can lead to feelings of low self-confidence and even shame.
Education around executive functioning is critical to help combat these negative stereotypes. With new understanding, I have seen many clients blossom with newfound confidence. Through the help of a supportive coaching partnership, individuals gain insight into their personal EF challenges and learn to utilize effective coping strategies. They naturally bolster their confidence by effectively managing life’s daily hurdles.
Better Stress Management
While it’s widely understood that maintaining healthy habits like proper nutrition, good sleep, and regular exercise can alleviate stress, individuals with executive functioning (EF) challenges often struggle with consistent implementation. The issue typically lies not in lacking this knowledge, but in maintaining these beneficial practices amidst their daily routines. This may include activities like taking a walk during lunch or maintaining social connections.
EF coaches understand the importance of tailoring stress management techniques to fit each client’s unique lifestyle. They can play a crucial role in providing personalized support and accountability, which is key to establishing sustainable, healthy habits that effectively manage stress over the long term.
Executive Functioning Coaching FAQs
Looking for some quick answers to your top questions on executive functioning coaching for adults? Here are a few I commonly see.
Do you need a diagnosis like ADHD to benefit from EF coaching?
No, you don't need a diagnosis like ADHD to benefit from EF coaching. Many adults face executive functioning challenges due to the demands of everyday life. EF coaching can provide helpful, personalized support and strategies regardless of a formal diagnosis
How long does it take to see improvements?
The timeline for seeing improvements varies depending on individual circumstances and the specific goals of the coaching engagement. Many clients report noticeable progress within the first few weeks of working with an executive functioning coach, while others may benefit from longer-term support to maintain and build upon their progress.
How much is EF coaching?
The cost of EF coaching can vary depending on factors such as the coach’s experience, credentials, the duration and frequency of sessions, and the level of personalized support provided. As an estimate, on average, EF coaching sessions may range from $100 to $300 per hour.
Will my company cover the costs of this resource?
Many companies offer professional development resources, including coaching services, as part of their employee benefits package. It's worth exploring whether your company has a budget for coaching and discussing the possibility of reimbursement with your HR department.
Starting Your Coaching Journey
If you're interested in exploring executive functioning coaching further, I encourage you to read more about my ADHD coaching approach here. There, you can find more information on my technical background, my typical clients, and additional FAQs.
Whether you're seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, I’m here to help. If you feel you could benefit from coaching support, please use the form below to let me know more about your situation and to set up a free 20-minute consultation. I’d love to meet you!