The 6 Laws of Master-Level Executive Function Coaching

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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.

In this article, I’ll walk you through the 6 core principles I use as an executive function coach to stay grounded, build momentum, and help students make real progress.

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.

But really, you only need to be about 10% ahead of the person you’re helping.

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:

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:

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:

Then,

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:

1. Show progress visually

2. Be the guide, not the hero

3. Start strong and end stronger

4. Set expectations clearly

5. Break things down to avoid the curse of knowledge

6. Stay flexible and adjust in real time

Hope this helps! 🤙🏻

Want support in becoming a top 1% EF Coach?

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.