The 6 Laws of Master-Level Executive Function Coaching
Updated: Aug 18
How do you know if your executive function coaching is actually working and what separates a good coach from a great one?
In this post, I’ll break down the 6 core principles I use to help clients make progress, structure stronger sessions, and become a more effective executive function coach.
Table of Contents
You’re showing up every week, but sometimes you wonder—is this actually working?
Maybe a student still hasn’t turned in a major assignment.
Maybe a parent is emailing you like it’s your fault.
Or maybe you just feel off-track and unsure how to measure your own progress as a coach.
Whether you’re working with teens or adults, these laws give you a framework you can trust so you don’t have to overthink every move.
Let's get into it 👇
Why Does It Matter To Have Guiding Principles As An Executive Function Coach?
When you have guiding principles, it’s easier to course-correct when something doesn’t go as planned.
A student comes in with low energy? You have a tool for that.
A parent questions your approach? You can explain the rationale behind your decisions.
Operating without a framework leaves too much to chance.
Having these laws in place helps you stay focused, effective, and adaptable in every session.
Why Do Many People Struggle With Being An Effective Executive Function Coach?
Reason 1: They don’t realize the struggle is part of the process
When something doesn’t go perfectly, some coaches think they’re failing.
They don’t realize that challenges—missed assignments, low engagement, resistance—are actually opportunities to use their skills and refine their approach.
Reason 2: They think they need to know everything
Imposter syndrome hits hard in this work.
Many coaches believe they’re not “qualified” unless they have all the answers.
If you're struggling with impostor syndrome, check out my YouTube video, which dives deeper into this important and common topic.
Reason 3: They don’t have a reliable system
Without systems, every session feels like starting from scratch.
These six laws help you build a repeatable structure, so your sessions are more efficient and your coaching becomes more sustainable.
The 6 Laws to Be a Top 1% Executive Function Coach
Law #1: Progress is visualized
Students often forget how far they’ve come.
You need to show them—literally. For example,
Trackers
Checklists
Dashboards
If you can track progress and show it to them, it can take them out of their emotional brain (their amygdala) and into their rational thinking brain.
Make the invisible visible so they feel motivated, and parents see what’s working.
You can download the different tools I use to help students track their growth from our downloads page.
Law #2: Be the guide, not the hero
You don’t need to be the star of the show.
Your job is to spotlight your client, help them build confidence, and guide them to their own insights.
This is their journey—you’re just walking with them.
The person you are coaching is the hero and you are the guide.
Law #3: Start strong, end stronger
The middle is where the work happens, but the start and end are what they’ll remember.
So start with something really strong that engages them in the session.
Oftentimes, a strong start includes clearing the deck.
Here are some questions that you can try:
What would happen in this session for it to be an excellent use of your time?
What are you most frustrated with in school right now?
How would your life be different at the end of this coaching session for you to feel happier?
This is something I teach in my executive function coaching certification, which you can learn more about by clicking here.
A great way to end is to ask engaging questions. For example:
“What was most helpful about this meeting and why?”
“Is there anything we didn't cover that you'd like to cover?”
Grab their attention at the beginning, and leave them with clarity at the end.
Law #4: Get and set expectations
Ask what they need and explain what’s coming.
Let them know what this session will (and won’t) cover.
For example, you can say:
“What were you expecting to get out of the session?”
Then,
“Here's what we are going to cover and here's what we're not going to cover.”
This process creates authenticity and connection.
Law #5: Beware Of The Curse Of Knowledge
You know what a GPA is, and you know how to check a grade portal.
Your client may not.
Break everything down into small steps and don’t assume they “should” already know it.
Most clients walk into executive function coaching sessions not knowing how to:
Check their grades
Navigate Canvas and Google Classroom
Email teachers
Set up an email template
And much more.
Law #6: Improvise When Needed
Many coaches want to stick with a very rigid plan.
But oftentimes you have to respond to what's happening in the moment and adjust expectations.
You must read the moment, respond to the student’s state, and flex when the session calls for it.
Another reason this is so important is because the research of John Hattie shows that teacher estimates of achievement is a huge factor on student achievement.
The Bottom Line
Using these 6 laws as guidelines will elevate your EF coaching practice.
Here's a recap:
Show progress visually
Be the guide, not the hero
Start strong and end stronger
Set expectations clearly
Break things down to avoid the curse of knowledge
Stay flexible and adjust in real time
Hope this helps! 🤙🏻
FAQs
How do I know which of the six laws to focus on first?
Start with the area that creates the most friction in your current coaching sessions. If clients are disengaged, focus on stronger openings and expectations, while inconsistent progress may point to better tracking and visualization.
What should I do if I follow these principles and a client still is not making progress?
Use the six laws as a diagnostic tool to identify what may need to change rather than assuming the coaching is failing. Revisit expectations, look at how progress is being measured, and adjust your approach based on what the client needs in that moment.
How can I use these laws without making my sessions feel too rigid?
Treat the laws as guidelines you can return to, not a script you have to follow perfectly. The sixth law, improvising when needed, gives you permission to adapt while still having a reliable framework to guide your decisions.
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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.