"Coaching? Who needs that? I know myself perfectly well and don't need help figuring out my career moves."

It's a sad fact, but many of us believe ourselves to be beyond reproach, and that availing the services of an executive is a sign of weakness, even being deemed unnecessary. That's because for some people, a coach is someone who handholds and spoonfeeds a person too weak and indecisive to figure out what to do with his or her career. The reality is actually very far from that idea.

If you're an executive or a businessperson worth your salt, then you know that you're not perfect and would be willing to learn and take any opportunity to improve yourself. You're not afraid of discovering your weaknesses and eliminating them, and you're open to fresh, new ideas.

An executive coach also isn't someone who constantly hovers over other people and pumping them full of advice. Think of executive coaches as a motivational force and a fountain of wisdom. They can steer your career to greater heights and open your eyes to new possibilities in your field.

So take a good, hard look at yourself and how your career has been going. Are you satisfied? Do you want more out of your work? Are you stuck in a rut, and how do you get ahead? Answer these questions honestly, and you'll know for sure whether it's time to cast your pride aside and schedule a meeting with an executive coach.

Most times, we're blind to our own faults and weaknesses, and need the objective eye of an outside party. Here's where the executive coach comes in. Your coach can guide you in your career, whether you need to make a change or you're looking to advance up the corporate ladder. Having a coach can help you set goals and attain them, as well as help you make better decisions about your career and improve your relationship with your colleagues.

With something as important as your career on the line, you need to exercise careful consideration in choosing your executive coach. Remember that you shouldn't just select the first one you speak with. Set up a meeting with three to five coaches and get a feel for their personalities and their methods--find the one with whom you feel most comfortable speaking to. You can't have a good working relationship with a coach if you select someone who rubs you the wrong way and doesn't invite confidences.

Keep in mind that your executive coach should be knowledgeable about your field and industry; this will help him or her determine the best steps you should take in your career.

There may be those who say that an executive coach is simply someone who works with you on a purely professional basis, but given the fact that you will confide a lot of information in your coach or mentor, it's no surprise that a friendship will usually form between you two. This friendship is practically a necessity, because throughout the ups and downs of your career when you most need someone to be there for you, your coach will be there, guiding you all the way.