How do you find the right coach for you?
In many ways, selecting a coach is a lot like buying shoes. You need to consider fit, style, price, and location.
Fit.
With both shoes and coaches, the most important factor is a good fit, and the best way to ensure this is to “try on” several options and compare. Take advantage of complimentary coaching sessions offered by many coaches. See how well you “click” before committing to any paid sessions.
Style.
Coaching comes in many styles. You need to determine which is right for you. One-on-one? Group? Face-to-face? Telephone or email coaching? Again, setting up trial sessions can help you decide which is best for you.
Price.
Just as with shoes, coaches come in a range of prices. Shop around, and compare prices. Newer coaches may charge less, as they seek to establish their practices. Ask more established coaches if they offer a package or program righ tfor your budget and goals.
Location.
OK so, here’s where coaching is not like shoe stores. Location does not have to be a factor when choosing a coach. While face-to-face coaching works best with a local coach and for some clients, telephone coaching allows you to choose from entire world of coaches – in a different city, state/province, or even country.
On a practical level you need to:
Learn.
Educate yourself about coaching by reading articles and blogs written by coaches so you know what to expect and what coaches can and can’t do.
Clarify Objectives
Identify you coaching objective and work out what you want to accomplish in coaching your search criteria will be more focused, ultimately enhancing of chance of finding “the right coach”.
Look for Specialisation
Search for coaches who specialize in your areas of interests. Some examples may be career goals, business, leadership, communication skills, relationships, family life, spirituality, and much more.
Research
Look for coaching events online or in person hosted by a coach. If you meet a coach at a networking event or during a seminar or speaking engagement, ask them for a complimentary coaching session.
Referals
If you know someone who has a coach such as a friends, family and colleague, ask them for a referral.
Online Directories
Look at coaching referral services and listserv or other groups. Coaching organizations and training schools typically have on-line forums for sharing information and advertising.
What should I look for when selecting a coach?
Here are some questions to consider during your selection process:
Coaching Experience.
How many yeas of experience do thet have as a coach?
Coach Training.
What coach specific training have they done? Do they hold an ICF Credential, or certification from an ICF accredited coach training program?
Coaching Specialty or Niche
What are their coaching specialties or client niche?
Coaching Skills
What specialised coaching skills, other skills or experience do they bring to their coaching?
Coaching Philosophy.
What is their coaching philosophy? Does it fit with your ideas of the world?
Coaching Process.
What is the specific process they use for coaching? (How often do you meet and how are the sessions conducted?)
Coaching Success stories.
What are some specific examples of individuals you have coached who have done very well with your coaching process and philosophy?
What should you consider when making the financial commitment in coaching?
A successful coaching relationship requires both a personal time commitment, as well as a financial commitment. Fees vary by the level of experience of the coach and the practice area. It is very important to be as specific as possible about your expectations with your coach as well as the anticipated length of time you spend in coaching relationship.