From mentoring to executive coaching-a psychological case study

A physical illness has triggered a mid-life crisis in the chief executive of a mid-size high-tech company-an electrical engineer by training. This personal problem had a deleterious effect on his job performance. Fortunately he had the capacity to heal himself and the perspicacity to seek the support of a knowledgeable coach to help him along. After a brief but intensive intervention, his well being and professional success were restored. The coaching process, based on psychodynamic principles, included empathic listening, encouraging the expression of feelings and dream interpretation. Members of the technical professions are as vulnerable to such problems as anyone but less likely to reveal them, especially if they are high-strung executives in the 40 to 50 year age bracket. The executive in question supported the publication of this report in order to encourage colleagues with similar needs to seek competent help. The case is presented under effective disguise.<>