Three questions to answer before you hire a coach
I RECENTLY asked an executive who had just hired a coach how she made her selection. “My friend said this coach was the best!” she explained. So I asked her again: “How do you know that he’s the right coach for you?” She paused, reflected and replied: “Go
1. Why do you want a coach in the first place?
A coach is not the same as a consultant or an adviser. A coach supports, challenges and empowers you to face your challenges and come up with your own solutions.
On the other hand, if you want someone to give you advice or come up with a solution for you, you may want to hire a consultant or an adviser instead.
Also, each coach has his or her area(s) of expertise. Are you looking for an executive coach, a life coach, a communications coach, or some other type of coach?
Make sure your coach’s qualifications and training match what you’re looking for. And if you’re not sure, don’t worry. Just tell the coach what you’re looking for and let them tell you how they can be of service.
Stay away from any coach who claims they are the right coach for you even though they’ve never met you. Any responsible coach will take time to get to know you and understand your goals first, before agreeing to be your coach.
2. What are you willing and able to commit to?
Some coaches will want to meet in person, while others prefer phone calls or videoconferencing.
What works for you? What is your
time commitment? How frequently can you meet with your coach? Is there a deadline/timeline involved? How much time and effort can you commit for follow-up actions outside of the coaching sessions?
And of course, think about how much you can afford for coaching fees.
3. How do you feel being with this person?
It’s very important to meet the coach and see how you feel. Each coach has his/her own style. Find one that works for you. You want a coach who makes you feel supported while also challenging you.
I once met a coach who made me feel so uncomfortable and tense that I couldn’t wait to get out of the room. I couldn’t imagine spending hours with him as my coach.
Remember that coaching is all about the partnership between you and your coach. That partnership requires mutual respect, understanding and trust.
Know what you are looking for, so you’ll know when you’ve found the right coach for you.
Doy Charnsupharindr is an executive coach and CEO of the Berkeley Executive Coaching Institute ([email protected] or www.berkeleyeci.com).
