You want to develop yourself and find the right coach to help you. Where do you begin?
It seems like everyone nowadays calls themselves a coach, and unfortunately, the quality varies greatly.
Sometimes I am surprised at how little homework has been done beforehand. There are also too few checks done, leading to a process that doesn’t deliver what was expected. Avoid this pitfall and prepare well.
These 10 steps will help you make the right selection when talking to your potential coaches. Don’t just see it as a checklist to tick off, but use it as a guide, as a compass to clarify what you find important. And to ultimately make the best choice for you.
1. Trust
In the end, it’s about the right click.
Besides all rational checks, it’s about whether you feel trust and a good vibe with this person.
2. Experience
Check the experience on various aspects:
- How much experience does this coach have in similar processes?
- How much experience does he/she have with your specific question?
- How long has this person been working as a coach? How many “flying hours” does this coach have?
- What is the coach’s own experience within the business world and in life?
- Is there a level of seniority?
3. Knowledge and Techniques
What background does this coach have in terms of methods and techniques?
What does this coach use to achieve certain solutions?
And how is this coach able to strike the right balance between structure and flexibility?
4. Development
Does this coach also work on his/her own development and how?
Does the coach also get coached?
How do you feel if a coach no longer works on his/her own development?
5. Commitment During and Outside the Process
How will this coach keep you accountable to the agreements you have made together?
Is this coach also available for questions/consultations outside the regular sessions?
6. Mission and Vision
Why is he/she a coach?
What drives your coach?
7. Selectivity
Is your potential coach also selective?
What kind of clients does your coach like to work with?
When is it a ‘no-go’ to proceed for your coach?
8. Growth
Can they explain how they have grown as a coach?
What have they learned from their successes and failures?
9. Areas of Knowledge
Coaching is a broad term. Depending on your question, it may be useful for your future coach to explain when which form might be used: coaching, personal coaching, counseling, business coaching, mentoring, therapy, consultancy, etc.
For example, if you struggle with a negative emotion from the past, you might benefit more from a coach who also has experience in addressing these emotions. See my blog Negative emotions, get rid of them.
10. Approach and Results
Ask for a plan of approach after you have indicated your goals. This can initially be verbal, later perhaps in writing when a quote is made.
You will then notice whether the coach has understood your story and you can determine whether the plan of approach appeals to you, as it should suit you. It contributes to the trust you want to have in this person.
This checklist can be used as a guide or forwarded to someone in your network who might benefit from it.
I am curious about how you will find your coach and whether you find this checklist useful.
And if you have any additions, I’d love to hear from you!
