Leadership Coaching and the Rescuer Syndrome: How to Manage both Sides of the Couch

In this article the author explores the problem of excessive helping behavior—The Rescuer Syndrome—with particular reference to executive coaching. The author also discusses co-dependency between coach and client and question whether these ‘rescuers,’ in their need to help, really help their clients. Do the rescuers themselves need to be rescued? The author examines the origins of compulsive helping behavior, including rescuers’ early family dynamics. The indicators of this dysfunctional behavior pattern will be explored, including strategies for dealing with the Rescuer Syndrome. The author ends with a description of the constructive rescuer, explaining how a better understanding of this specific behavior pattern can contribute to greater awareness of the intensity of the rescuer within. The expectation is that this kind of knowledge will increase coaching effectiveness.