Since coaching is a new profession and unregulated – there are many individuals who are calling themselves coaches today. Therefore, there can be variability in the quality and results of coaching. The best advice is - do your research, shop around, don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions, find out a little about coach credentials and speak to more than one coach. It is worth asking the following questions of any coach your are considering working with:
Have they been specifically trained in coaching skills?
Are they a member of a professional coaching body?
What level of membership or credential do they hold with their professional body?
What Code of Ethics do they work to?
How much coaching have they done and what type of clients do they work with?
How do they ensure confidentiality?
What is coaching?
What are the differences between training, consulting, mentoring, therapy, counseling and coaching?
What are the no-go areas or boundaries in the coaching relationship?
Can you see some testimonials, references or speak to past clients?
Do they have work with a coach, mentor or supervisor themselves?
You should also find out about:
The experience this person brings to coaching or their specialism - there are coaches that coach specific professions such as lawyers, teachers, CEOs etc because their own experience is in this area.
Although it is not necessary for your coach to have the same experience as you, sometimes it helps in developing understanding and rapport and gives you confidence in their ability. However, you may also actively look for someone with different experience from you - for example, in an area you would like to develop or move into. One example of this would be if you wanted to become a public speaker and engaged a coach who was experienced in this area.
The values and approach of the coach – these need to fit with yours, in order that you work positively together.
Define your goal and ask what the coaching will do for you – be specific about what you need and ask about the practicalities of how the coach will work with you (methods, how the coaching will be delivered, evaluated, and what will happen if things are not working in the coaching relationship). Focus on the substance of the coaching rather than the feel-good factor.
The exact costs – make sure you know what you are paying for (e.g. are email and other forms of contact included in the price?) and the start and end date of the coaching.
Have a test run - make sure that you work with the coach, so you can experience their coaching style and approach before signing up to a full programme.
Some coaches offer free introductory sessions, or deliver group which you may have an opportunity to sit in on for free or a small fee. Otherwise, negotiate a price for one introductory session.
If at all possible make sure that you have an introductory session with at least two other coaches – in order that you have a better idea of the range of styles and approaches and are able to select between coaches.
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Contributor's Note
Visit the Coaches Plus website for more coaching information and resources for coaches.
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