According to Gulf News, “the Dubai coaching industry is in high demand” and the “demand for executive coaching has increased significantly in recent years.” And a study by LinkedIn notes that the UAE is the top country in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region for hiring executive coaches. This is due to the fact that business leaders in Dubai are looking for ways to enhance their skills, overcome challenges, and drive business growth. But if you want to get on the coaching train and find your power-partner, you’ll need to know what to look for.
When it comes to choosing a top executive coach in Dubai, it’s important to make sure you select the right person for your needs. You can pretty much throw a rock and hit a coach anywhere in Dubai, and with so many coaches to choose from in the Dubai coaching industry, it can be challenging to know where to start. I’ll help you out with what to look for when choosing an executive coach in Dubai, so you can make an informed decision and get the most out of your coaching experience.
Experience and Credentials of an Executive Coach in Dubai
The first thing to look for when choosing an executive coach in Dubai is regional experience and global credentials. You want to work with a coach who has a proven track record of success in the MENA region, and globally recognised credentials to back up their coaching abilities. Look for coaches who have certifications from reputable organizations.
In addition to certifications, look for coaches who have experience working with executives and business leaders in your industry, and in the MENA region. The culture and demands of business in MENA are different to the rest of the world, and what works in coaching here is a bit different as a result. Likewise, a coach who has experience working with CEOs in the tech industry may not be the best fit for a CEO in the healthcare industry. Look for coaches who have a deep understanding of your industry and the challenges you face.
Coaching Style and Approach
The coaching style and approach of a top executive coach in Dubai can also be an important factor in choosing the right coach. Different coaches have different styles and approaches to coaching, and it’s important to find a coach whose style resonates with you. Some coaches are more directive and hands-on, while others take a more collaborative approach.
An article by Entrepreneur Middle East emphasizes the importance of choosing a coach who is a good fit for your personality and communication style. They suggest asking potential coaches about their experience and success rates with previous clients, as well as their coaching process and approach.
My style, for example, is collaborative and advisory. I’m not the kind of coach that just asks you questions and makes you solve your own problems. I have 30 years of experience in business and 4 post-graduate degrees, I tend to offer strategies for change that I know will work. Think about what coaching style and approach would work best for you and look for coaches who align with those preferences.
Chemistry and Rapport
I only coach people I’d hang out with socially. Chemistry and rapport between an executive and their coach is critical to the success of the coaching relationship. You want to work with a coach who you feel comfortable with and who you can trust. Look for coaches who have good communication skills, are good listeners, and who have the ability to build rapport quickly. Chemistry and rapport can be difficult to quantify, but they are essential to a successful coaching relationship.
Specialization and Expertise
Another important factor to consider when choosing a top executive coach in Dubai is specialization and expertise. Some coaches specialize in specific areas, such as leadership development or team building, while others have expertise in specific industries or functional areas. If you’re looking for coaching in a specific area, such as conflict resolution or strategic planning, look for coaches who have experience and expertise in that area.
References and Testimonials
Finally, when choosing an executive coach in Dubai, it’s important to ask for references and testimonials from previous clients. My references are on my Linkedin profile here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corrieblock/ . Look for coaches who are willing to provide references and who have a track record of success with their clients. Reading testimonials and talking to previous clients can give you a better sense of a coach’s coaching style, approach, and effectiveness.
No one gets to the top without a coach. The world’s top surgeons, musicians, and athletes all have coaches. And it’s not different in business. Most of the FTSE 100 and Fortune 500 CXOs have coaches now too. That’s how they got to the top, and that’s how they’re defending their positions. Coaching is the not-so-secret ingredient in individual performance in every industry. Just make sure you’re partnering with someone that’s got the credentials and experience you need most.
