- Kevin Sanders
- Mar 22
- 4 min read
March 22, 2025
Read Time - 4 minutes
“Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.”
—Carl Jung
I’ve seen coaching change lives—and not just for the people in the big chairs. Department chairs, associate deans, directors—academic leaders at all levels can benefit.
But here’s the hard truth: coaching only works if you’re ready to do the work.
That’s why this week’s issue is all about helping you figure out if now is the right time.
Coaching Is Powerful—But It’s Not for Every Season
Leadership coaching has gone mainstream in higher ed—and for good reason.
Done right, it accelerates clarity, growth, and confidence.
But here’s the catch: coaching only works if you’re coachable.
If you’re just looking for someone to confirm your decisions or nod along with your frustrations, that’s not coaching—that’s commiserating. And while there’s a time for venting, that’s not what moves you forward.
Before investing your time (or your institution’s budget), ask yourself these 7 questions.
They’ll help you get clear on what you really need—and whether coaching is the right next step.
7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Executive Coach
Am I stuck or just in a season of strain?
Coaching is best when you’re ready to make change—but unsure how.
If you’re simply overwhelmed with temporary busyness, you may need breathing room, not coaching.
Coaching works best when you’re facing a pattern
Do I want feedback—or just validation?
Coaching invites honest reflection and pushback.
If what you really want is reassurance, be honest with yourself.
(And maybe ask a trusted colleague instead.)
Am I open to self-reflection and behavior change?
A coach isn’t a consultant with answers—they’re a partner in your own growth.
That means looking inward, not just outward.
Coaching only works if you’re willing to examine your habits, assumptions, and blind spots.
Do I have specific goals to work toward—or just general frustration?
You don’t need to have perfect clarity—but direction matters.
Think of coaching like a GPS: it needs a destination to chart a path.
Start with 1–2 areas: leading a team, managing conflict, improving communication, or shifting culture.
Am I trying to grow, stabilize, or pivot?
Not all coaching is about up-and-to-the-right growth.
Sometimes, it’s about becoming steadier in your role—or making a deliberate change.
Knowing your “why” helps you pick the right coach and the right focus.
Am I willing to be challenged—gently but firmly?
Good coaches don’t let you hide.
They ask the questions others won’t. And they help you sit with discomfort so you can move through it.
If you’re ready for someone who will hold space and hold you accountable, you’re ready for coaching.
What’s the cost of staying stuck?
Not every investment has a dollar amount.
What is indecision costing you right now?
What impact are you not having because you’re too reactive, unclear, or overwhelmed?
Coaching helps you reclaim clarity, direction, and margin.
What to Do With Your Answers
If you answered “yes” to most of these questions—you’re likely in the right season for coaching.
Here’s what to do next:
Get clear on your goals. Write down 1–2 challenges you’d love support on.
Interview a few coaches. Find someone whose style resonates with your needs.
Ask about fit, not just credentials. Coaching is personal—chemistry matters.
Talk to your institution. Many universities fund coaching as professional development.
The Bottom Line
Coaching isn’t a silver bullet—and it’s not for every season.
But if you’re ready to think more clearly, lead more intentionally, and grow faster, it can be the most powerful professional investment you make.
The hardest part?
Saying yes to yourself.
Try This Before Friday
Write down the top 2 challenges you’d love to stop struggling with by the end of the semester.
Are they behavioral? Strategic? Emotional?
Then ask: Could a coach help me move forward faster? 👥 Ready to Help Others?
This goes out each week to leaders trying to build better systems, stronger teams, and healthier departments. If this helped you navigate your corner of campus, pass it on! 👉 Subscribe here.
Whenever you're ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:
1.) Get the free guide: Lead by Design. Put an end to reactive leadership. Learn how to clarify decisions, streamline workflows, and surface expectations—so you can fix what’s broken and focus on what matters most. 2.) Coaching for Academic Leaders: A focused 1:1 coaching experience for higher ed professionals who want to lead with clarity, build smarter systems, and stay centered on what matters most. I work with a limited number of clients each quarter to provide highly personalized, strategic support. Send me a message. 3.) Professional Development Workshops: Interactive sessions for faculty, staff, and leadership teams that help reduce conflict, streamline decision-making, and shift culture with smart systems. Virtual and in-person options available. Sessions tailored to your campus needs. |