Executive Coaching: Understanding the Coaching Needs of Young Executives

Executive coaching has acquired a significant position in the world of developmental interventions in human resources development. Similarly, another trend spotted over the past two decades is reduction in the age group of senior and top executives. As the managers reach the top slots at young ages, it is imperative that their coaching needs must be re-assessed on the backdrop of the traditional needs of their relatively elder counterparts. Hence, the study was undertaken to understand the coaching needs expectations of young executives below 40 years of age. This paper presents the findings based on these young executives' responses on the related parameters (e.g., firm and faster decision making, acquisition of new knowledge, certifications, refining the presentation skills, better time management, strict financial controls and planning, technological updates, wider reading, better communication, listening skills, empathy, and career opportunities). The paper concludes with a few pointers for coaching for young executives and paves the way for further research in this area.