How AI Can Democratize Executive Coaching
I’m sure that whatever industry you’re in, artificial intelligence has affected the way you do business or your daily work processes. In the executive coaching field, AI is poised to revolutionize the game. Can you guess how? It’s making personalized leadership development accessible to a much broader range of managers and executives.
Traditionally, executive coaching has been a costly engagement for both individuals and businesses. Often, the cost is prohibitive. Top coaches charge hundreds of dollars per hour. While coaching is extremely valuable (I’ll admit that I’m biased!), this has priced out many rising leaders and smaller organizations.
Enter AI coaching. Using large language models and other AI tech, it’s now possible to create highly capable virtual coaching assistants. These AI coaches can be trained on the best practices of elite executive coaching. Plus, they can learn about a company's leadership philosophy and specific contexts.
They can provide customized support and coaching to a wide range of leaders, on demand, 24/7. Not to mention, the cost is much more affordable. Here are a few powerful applications I see for AI coaching:
Supporting leaders through key transitions, such as stepping into a new role.
Practicing difficult conversations and getting real-time feedback.
Capturing insights from meetings and providing follow-up coaching.
Providing a judgment-free space to brainstorm and test ideas.
Offering reminders, accountability, and motivation for both team and individual goals.
It will be a long time before AI coaches fully replace human coaches and maybe never will. But they will enable organizations to provide highly tailored, always-available coaching to more leaders. This has the potential to accelerate leadership development. As a result, it will make organizations more agile, proactive, and resilient.
AI is democratizing access to executive coaching for leaders and organizations. The impact will be transformative. Coaching is just the beginning; get ready for AI to reshape leadership development as you know it.
Have you or your organization experimented with AI coaching? If so, email me—I’d love to hear about your experience (good or bad!). As always, if you have any questions, just reach out or give us a call. My team and I are here to help you!
Pete Steinberg is an elite rugby coach, leadership consultant, and author. He can help you and your organization overcome challenges and achieve unparalleled success. Pete’s first book, Leadership Shock, is now available for purchase at all major retailers. You can connect with Pete on LinkedIn and at PeteSteinberg.com.