ABSTRACT
International business coaches work with global executives and executive teams – the leaders in international business environments – across cultures and across borders. The role is demanding and not for the faint-hearted. The coach’s remit covers support for the pursuit of multiple clients’ business, personal and societal objectives within dynamic cultural and organizational contexts. This chapter is in three sections. In this first section we examine what characteristics and competencies might be desirable for an international business coach. We suggest that these should largely be a match with those needed for global leadership more generally (though a coach may even require some further capacities). Accordingly, we propose that international business coaches would ideally (though not necessarily) have experience in senior leadership and executive roles in international contexts. The second section is an interview with a leading international business coach, Chip McFarlane. Chip shares his experiences and makes some comments on the selection of coaches for complex international assignments. The final section contains a set of questions which might provide a useful basis for those selecting a coach for international executives.
