How to Find the Right Coach for You
The first time I tried coaching was when I started having doubts about my career in aviation. Looking for my next step, I ended up in a woman’s basement, talking about my dead grandmother and going over my past life where I had apparently been a queen in Egypt…
Now, I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with past life regression. It just wasn’t what I expected or needed at the time. In fact, it colored my perception of coaching for almost ten years, until I stumbled on a coach who used another methodology that suited me better.
My point is, finding the right coach for you can be tricky. There are literally thousands out there, which on the upside means that there is most likely one (or hundreds) that would be a good fit for you. The downside is that it can be hard to know when you’ve found “the one”.
So, to keep you out of the wrong basements, I’ve put together some pointers for you to think of when looking for a coach.
Coaching, therapy or consulting
The first step is to look into if it’s actually coaching that you need. There are several other options out there, so take a peek at 5 myths about coaching to learn more about the difference between coaching, consulting and therapy.
Training and certification
Coaching as a practice has been around for decades. As a profession however, it’s poorly regulated, meaning that the quality of coaches out there varies…a lot! You want to make sure that your coach is thoroughly trained by a qualified institute that has been accredited to acknowledged standards. The most recognized governing body in coaching is the International Coach Federation (ICF), who accredits coach training programs and ensures they live up to a specific standard by using scientific proven methods and tools. Ask your prospective coach to tell you about their training and if it’s ICF certified.
Methodology
Going back to my first coaching experience, it’s a good idea to ask your prospective coach about which methodology (s)he uses. There are different ones out there, but it ultimately comes down to personal preference and what resonates with you. For example, I use an ontological approach, where your “way of being” is in focus. What this means in practice is that I operate from a belief system that goes beyond simple facilitation of tasks and action plans, and focus more on the whole picture and creating a shift in the way you show up in the world. This probably sounds pretty vague to most of you, so if you have any questions, I love (I mean LOVE) talking about this, so don’t be shy about reaching out.
As a note, although past life regression wasn’t my thing, I do recommend that you keep an open mind in general. Sometimes we need to be surprised!
The practical set up
Are you only available after hours? Is in person meetings important to you, or do you prefer the convenience of your own home? Remote sessions can be a great way to introduce flexibility, while some prefer to be face to face. Make sure you and your coach are on the same page when it comes to the practical set up and general availability.
Pricing
Pricing can vary quite a bit, with typical ranges between $50 - $500 per session, depending on target demographic, experience level etc. Ask your prospective coach what is included in the rate or pricing package. How many sessions are provided? Is there support available in between sessions? Are any additional tools provided? Is the coach part of a network with available support?
A lot of us have trouble investing in ourselves, especially when it’s something that goes outside of common norms (who would raise an eye brow if you invested in a new set of boots or a car?). A tip is to ask yourself what the value is of reaching that goal that has you considering coaching in the first place. What is it worth to you to finally get clarity on what your dream job is, or to have the courage to start your own business, or to be confident when negotiating for a raise or promotion with your boss?
Consultation session
A consultation session is a great way to find out the answers to all of the questions above, while also experiencing first-hand what coaching with this particular coach is like. Most coaches offer free introduction sessions of 30-90 minutes in order to establish a fit on both ends. Coaching is a tight partnership, meaning that there needs to be a match on both sides for the best result.
Personal fit and communication style
Ultimately, working closely with any support professional is about personal chemistry. Coaching is an intimate experience and for it to be efficient, there needs to be a connection between you and your coach that enables you to feel trust and communicate freely. To identify what you need in this area can be a little tricky, but remember, you didn’t spend all that money to hire yourself a friend. You are looking for certain results, so take a good hard look and ask yourself what you really respond to in terms of communication. The best coaches are able to balance between making you feel comfortable and safe to open up, while also challenging you when needed. They are good active listeners with questions that wakes you up to new perspectives, while at the same time holding you perfect just as you are.
Hope you found this helpful in your quest towards finding your coach! If anything’s missing, please reach out or comment below.
Good luck!