How to find the right coach for you
If you are new to the world of coaching--or even if you’re not--you might wonder what is the best way to find the right coach for you. You may know what goals you hope to achieve and wonder, “Who is the coach that is going to get me where I want to be?”
Alternatively, you may not have clear goals, but nevertheless feel stuck or uncertain about the next phase in your life and sense you could use some support in figuring it out.
Regardless of whether you know what you want or you need support in unearthing the goals within you, hiring a coach costs money and you want to ensure you are making a good investment by finding the right coach for you.
What to expect
When I began my coaching journey, I thought coaching was a linear, black-and-white experience: I show up to a coaching relationship with my goals in hand and through a series of coaching sessions--presto chango--I achieve my goals and emerge a new person. What I’ve discovered is the coaching experience is so more fluid, nuanced and richer than I ever imagined.
Coaching changes lives. I believe this in my core and invest in my own coaches with verve. I’ve had the great fortune to be coached by an amazing community of coaches (see the list below if you’re interested in learning more about them). Each coach brings their own approach and personality to the work, but there are general qualifications, qualities and practices a new client should look for when searching for a coach.
Good coaches meet these criteria:
They are certified through the International Coaching Federation and/or an ICF-approved coach training program.
They behave in a professional manner: They keep appointments, communicate effectively, have a clear payment process, and make it easy for you to engage with them.
They hold space for you and let you drive the agenda for every coaching session. The session should never be about what the coach wants or thinks. The coach may share observations or brainstorm ideas/solutions with you, but they should not give you advice on what you should do in your situation. You are the expert in your life.
They ask empowering questions that set the foundation for exploration, new insights, and growth.
Each of my coaches exhibited these qualities. And while their individual styles, personalities and focus may not have always resonated with me, I walked away from every coaching relationship with new insights about myself, new tools to support me on my path, and measurable progress toward my professional and personal goals.
But let’s be clear: Do not feel compelled to stay with a coach with whom you are uncomfortable. Trust between client and coach is essential for the relationship to be fruitful. If your coach behaves in a way that violates coaching ethics or just doesn’t feel like to right fit, terminate your relationship and find someone who meets all the criteria outlined above.
Also keep in mind that the coaching experience can be challenging. A coach’s job is to help you raise awareness about the beliefs, feelings and actions that are holding you back from reaching your goals. Commitment to the coaching journey requires self-reflection and, often, temporary discomfort. That is normal and part of the transformative power of coaching.
Looking for a great coach?
Here are a few of the terrific coaches who have helped me on my journey:
Have additional questions about how to find the right coach for you? Email me at glenna@glennastewartcoaching.com.
