A much anticipated randomized trial that clearly demonstrates the value of executive coaching was just released in the Journal of Positive Psychology. The study found that executive coaching enhances goal attainment, resilience and workplace well-being. In addition to these benefits, the participants also experienced reduced stress and depression.

The study also asked participants to give qualitative responses to questions that showed that coaching helped increase self-confidence and personal insight, build management skills and helped participants deal with organizational change. These findings show that coaching can be effective in helping people deal with uncertainty and challenges.

The study was conducted by Anthony Grant and his group at the University of Sydney. According to Grant, executive coaching in organizations has grown significantly and is recognized as a helping relationship that uses cognitive and behavioral techniques to support a mutually defined set of goals, with the aim of improving performance and effectiveness. Grant is the author of numerous randomized trials that demonstrate coaching is effective and says coaching is effective because it is outcomes based and leads to not only an action plan, but taking action and success on goals.

Would you like a copy of this important new study? E-mail me for a copy at coachingstudy@leadershipinternational.com.