CELC - Certified Executive Leadership Coach Building the Coaching Agreement Questions and Answers

Question 1

In an executive coaching context involving a sponsoring organization, which of the following is the MOST critical element to clarify in the initial coaching agreement?

Accepted Answer

The boundaries of confidentiality among the coach, the executive, and the sponsor.

Answer

The specific business metrics the coaching is expected to improve.

Answer

The frequency and format of coaching sessions.

Answer

The coach's preferred coaching models and theoretical approach.

Question 2

A Certified Executive Leadership Coach is creating a coaching agreement. According to the International Coach Federation (ICF), the agreement should address the coaching relationship at two distinct levels. What are these two levels?

Accepted Answer

The agreement for the overall engagement and the agreement for each specific session.

Answer

The legal contract and the informal verbal understanding.

Answer

The agreement with the individual executive and the agreement with their direct reports.

Answer

The financial agreement and the developmental goals agreement.

Question 3

An executive client is unclear on the difference between coaching, consulting, and therapy. Which of the following is the BEST action for the coach to take during the agreement phase?

Accepted Answer

Clearly communicate the distinctions and the specific parameters of the coaching relationship, and refer the client to another professional if their needs are outside the scope of coaching.

Answer

Provide a brief definition of each and move on to the coaching goals.

Answer

Recommend the client try all three services to understand the difference.

Answer

Ignore the client's confusion, assuming it will become clear as the coaching progresses.

Question 4

You are a CELC coach beginning an engagement with a new executive. During the initial meeting to build the coaching agreement, the executive says, 'Just tell me what I need to do to get this promotion. I don't have time for a lot of discussion.' What is the most effective coaching approach in this situation?

Accepted Answer

Explain that coaching is a collaborative process and partner with them to define measurable outcomes and their role in achieving them.

Answer

Agree to their request and provide a list of recommended actions to demonstrate value.

Answer

Suggest that the executive may not be ready for coaching and propose postponing the engagement.

Answer

Immediately provide a direct assessment of their leadership style based on this initial comment.

Question 5

Which of the following is NOT a required component of a comprehensive executive coaching agreement?

Accepted Answer

A detailed outline of the coach's proprietary coaching model and all associated exercises.

Answer

Clauses covering fees, scheduling, and cancellation policies.

Answer

A statement on confidentiality and its limits.

Answer

The roles and responsibilities of both the coach and the client.

Question 6

During a three-way agreement meeting with an executive and their HR sponsor, the sponsor requests a monthly report detailing the specific weaknesses the executive is working on. The executive appears uncomfortable. What should the coach do first?

Accepted Answer

Facilitate a discussion among all three parties to define reporting terms that support the executive's development while respecting confidentiality and meeting the sponsor's need for progress updates.

Answer

Agree to the sponsor's request to secure the contract but plan to be vague in the reports.

Answer

Tell the sponsor that such reporting is unethical and refuse to proceed.

Answer

Privately ask the executive after the meeting what they are comfortable sharing.