The purpose of this study was to determine if superior level executive coaches used the same techniques, skills, and protocol stages, analyze the collected data, and develop a validated competency skill set for executive coaches. A mixed-method design was used with a superior practitioner panel (n = 40) who validated 69 executive coaching skills, techniques, and protocol stages. The data resulted in an 11-item executive coaching core competency skills set cluster; impact and influence, developing others, interpersonal understanding, self-confidence, self-control, professional expertise, customer service orientation, conceptual thinking, flexibility, and directness/ assertiveness, with an overall consensus of 98.5 percent. Additionally, a 13-stage protocol evolved and was validated. Stages included the following: coaching contract, prepare for session, ensure client buy-in and agreement, preliminary interview, develop rapport, develop trust and confidentiality, identify coachable issue, meet with supervisor, monitor client's progress, assessment, feedback, joint goal setting, and co-develop action plan.
