When considering working with a coach, here are my top questions I would ask if I were you. ” Is this person going to take me where I want to go? Are they going to challenge my behaviours? Are they going to push me out of my comfort zone and hold me there to get my outcomes? Do they have a level of empathy and loving kindness to truly understand how I feel?
There are some others you may like to consider:
1. Have they done any training and do they have any affiliations with recognised Industry bodies?
A coach who has been credentialed by either the ICF or a recognised Coach training provider has completed stringent education and experience requirements. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in coaching. Coaches who have credentials with a RCT adhere to the ICF Code of Ethics providing you the client with a fully professional and ethical relationship at all times.
This means your coaching conversations are underpinned by ethical standards to help you to make your changes through choice and autonomy. Versus being directed or manipulated towards outcomes.
Coaches are assessed over eleven competencies at regular intervals of training and development. That means for you as a client you are choosing a coach who puts your needs before her own. Mentoring and assessing are other coaching roles that also add to the overall development of a coach.
Affiliations or links with other credible organisations or networking bodies gives you reassurance that your coach is collaborating actively with the business community and has resources at hand to offer you if necessary. What really works is building and nurturing relationship in all areas of life.
2. What is there background and life experience? Ask them!
Life has a colourful array of options to choose from. Education may or may not be the end factor. The Exceptional coaching report, AHRI, shows “rapport” is the most important factor executives want at 87% – even above education or organisational match. Are they someone you would want to glean insights from? What DNA do they bring? What foundations is there life built on? Do they have integrity?
Your coaches experience before coaching adds knowledge and wisdom to share. Check you are in resonance with your coaches qualities and strengths. Is how your coach puts them into action inspiring to you even if you have achieved it before. What are the key qualities are you looking for in a coach? What are the weaknesses your coach has overcome? How has life experience added to who or what he or she is now? Who are they when they are not coaching?
3. Do they have a clear professional agreement?
An agreement lets you know what is expected of both the coach and the coachee. It will give you certainty that what you have agreed on, and what they say is going to happen, happens. A professional agreement involves your coach being transparent with the details and making sure the details of the coaching series is documented before the first session. Clearly defined goals, confidentiality, progress reports, duration, compliance agreement and the coaching fees. Your coach will need to make sure your concerns and requests are documented and thought through to your satisfaction giving you full confidence to engage in a committed working partnership.
4. Are you both clear on what results you want?
A clear understanding of the issues that drive the need for a coach, and even more importantly, the desired outcomes of the coaching relationship. This includes accountability and measuring. How is progress to be measured and what will best support you to reach your outcomes. What tools, assessments, profiles will be engaged and at what intervals and frequency will they serve at benchmarks.
5. Is there a process to follow?
A clear understanding of the process that will be used is vital as you must ensure you are happy with the coaching process. A well-structured yet flexible process with complete transparency provides a safety net that is tried and tested before you. What exactly is the process and is it a good fit for you? What other information, resources, books will be available? Can your coach demonstrate in common language why she or he is suggesting you try something? Examples of process-related questions are: What is the role of a coach? What is your coaching approach? How does it help me to make changes?
This gives you the client an opportunity to gauge credibility and fit for you or your organisation. It is your coaching series and it is important your expectations are meet and even exceeded, which is what quality coaches aim to do.
6. A Special Something that excites you?
Exceptional Coaches own exceptional qualities. Look for them and more. Coaches aspire to be confident, empathetic, honest, authentic and most importantly coachable.
How does your coach present themselves? Do you feel they are honest with what has not worked out in their life? Do they have their own style? Would they stand out in a crowd of other coaches? Do they have their own toolkit and materials? Do they have references with their contact numbers?