7 Tips For Hiring Executive Function Coaches for Your Organization
- Sean G. McCormick
- Jan 5
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 5
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You’re drowning in client sessions, barely keeping up with the demand, and the thought of adding one more student feels impossible.
You know you need help, but the idea of hiring another coach feels like just another job to do.
You start looking, but the candidates don’t feel right. You find yourself thinking, No one else can do it like I can. So, you put off hiring.
Weeks pass, and nothing changes—except your growing exhaustion.
I’ve been there, and I get it.
But here’s the truth: You can’t grow if you do everything yourself.
Hiring a coach isn’t just about taking things off your plate—it’s about building a business that works for you and reaches more students without burning out.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what we've learned after hiring and training over 20 executive function coaches, including how to effectively hire executive function coaches, avoid common mistakes, and build a team that enhances your impact.
Why does hiring executive function coaches matter for your organization?
Hiring other coaches can multiply your impact. A great executive function coach can transform the lives of students and families, but there are only so many hours in your day.
By expanding your team, you can reach more clients, offer diverse coaching styles, and free yourself up to focus on growth.
Done right, hiring the right coaches can expand your reach and impact more students, increase profits by scaling your services, allow you to step back from constant client sessions and focus on business development, and improve client outcomes by matching them with the coach who fits their needs best.
What do people struggle with when trying to hire an executive function coach?
Many executive function coaches hesitate to hire because the process feels overwhelming.
Even those who attempt to hire often make avoidable mistakes, such as trying to hire someone just like you.
They try to find a duplicate
Finding a coach who mirrors your style and personality feels safe, but this can limit your ability to diversify and fill gaps in your business.
They focus too much on the paper, not the person
Focusing too much on resumes is another challenge. A great resume doesn’t always translate to great engagement with clients. Passion, adaptability, and communication skills often matter more.
They ask the wrong questions
Asking the wrong questions during interviews can also lead to hiring missteps. Interviews focusing only on credentials miss the opportunity to gauge problem-solving skills, empathy, and coaching ability.
7 Tips to Hire Great Executive Function Coaches Coaches
Tip 1: Create a process
Create a clear process for hiring. I recommend using a modified version of the process from the book, Who: The A-Method for Hiring.
I share this with everyone who goes through our Executive Function Certification Course and can add much structure to the process.
This structured approach helps you consistently identify and hire top talent by focusing on specific attributes and clear benchmarks.
Tip 2: Hire for aptitude and train for skill
Not every coach will come with perfect credentials – and that’s okay. One of the best executive function coaches I ever hired was a former PE teacher.
Look for coaches who have potential, drive, and the right mindset. Build a strong internal training program like the one in my EF certification to equip them with the tools they need.
Tip 3: Look for what you are missing, not more of what you have
Fill gaps in your team by hiring for the skills and experiences you lack, not just for people you naturally like.
Consider if you need more diversity in your coaching styles, if a male or female coach would balance your team, or if there is a gap in special education knowledge or ADHD experience.
Bringing in varied strengths creates a well-rounded team that can better serve your clients.
Tip 4: Establish a clear onboarding process
Use a 90-day onboarding process. The best way to know if someone is a fit is by working with them.
Set up a 90-day trial period with clear performance metrics. If it’s not the right fit, part ways and keep looking. This reduces long-term risk and ensures quality.
Tip 5: Look everywhere
Tap into your network, use Indeed, or try platforms like BambooHR to push job descriptions across hiring platforms.
Don’t underestimate the power of referrals from other coaches and educators.
I found my first hires on Facebook and by talking to other family members.
Tip 6: Have a detailed job description
Write a clear job description. Be precise about the role, expectations, and qualifications.
I offer a copy of our job description at Executive Function Specialist to all people who enroll in our Executive Function Certification Course.
Tip 7: Create a job scorecard
Create a job scorecard that lists the skills and traits you’re looking for. Use this to compare candidates objectively after interviews. Here is an example of what ours looks like at Executive Function Specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hiring Executive Function Coaches
Are there specific qualifications or certifications I should look for?
Look for candidates with experience working with your target population. If your clients are students, prioritize applicants with a background in education or student support.
A certification from a reputable training program, such as the Executive Function Coaching Academy, demonstrates specialized knowledge in executive function skills.
If the candidate is ICF certified, evaluate whether their program included executive function-specific training. EF coaching differs significantly from traditional life coaching, so not all certifications translate.
What are the red flags I should look for during the hiring process?
Trust your intuition not to hire someone if something feels off, but avoid relying solely on intuition when deciding to hire someone.
Review their employment history. Consistent patterns of short-term roles may indicate a lack of commitment or follow-through. Ideally, look for candidates who have stayed in roles for multiple years.
What platforms our networks should I look on to hire an executive function coach?
Check out the directory of certified executive function coaches for vetted professionals.
Consider reaching out to special education teachers who have a strong background in supporting students and a passion for executive function skill development. They often transition well into coaching roles.
Summary
Hiring executive function coaches can help you grow your business while expanding the support you provide to clients. Here’s a quick recap of the process.
Develop a clear, structured hiring process.
Look for aptitude and train for specific skills.
Hire to fill gaps in your team, not just for similarity.
Implement a 90-day onboarding period to assess fit.
Leverage networks and hiring platforms like BambooHR.
Craft precise job descriptions and use a job scorecard for fair evaluations.
With the right process in place, you can create a thriving practice that supports more students and frees up your time to grow your business. You future team awaits you!
Hope this helps 🤙🏻
P.S.
Consider joining hundreds of educators and professionals who have completed our executive function coaching certification. You'll gain all the tools, templates, and techniques you'll need as a coach, plus you'll make new friends and have a community you can rely on to grow and learn. Learn more.
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About Me
Hey! I'm Sean 👋
I'm a former public school special education teacher who realized that executive function skills are more important than knowing when George Washington crossed the Potomac.
Since then, I've made it my mission to teach anyone who will listen about how to develop these key life skills.
In 2020, I founded Executive Function Specialists to ensure all students with ADHD and Autism have access to high-quality online executive function coaching services. We offer online EF coaching and courses to help students and families.
Realizing I could only reach so many people through coaching, in 2021 I started the Executive Function Coaching Academy which trains schools, educators, and individuals to learn the key strategies to improve executive function skills for students.
In 2023, I co-founded of UpSkill Specialists, to provide neurodivergent adults with high-quality executive function coaching services.
When not pursuing my passions through work, I love spending time with my family, getting exercise, and expanding my brain through reading. You can connect with me on LinkedIn.