Post written by

Christine J. Culbertson (Boyle)

Do you think a star athlete has a super coach behind them?

Sports stars and titans of business alike leverage the knowledge, experience and unique skill sets of professional coaches. A coach is your sounding board, your confidant and your safe place to grow and explore, to challenge yourself and see yourself in ways perhaps you take for granted or cannot yet see in yourself. You and your coach peek under the covers and do a bit of navel gazing. They’re working with you to meet your goals, holding you accountable and supporting you when you stumble. They’re also your champion and cheerleader, standing beside you, celebrating you and your wins. It sounds amazing, doesn’t it? Coaches can be like your secret silent partner, tucked away in your back pocket.

Coaches offer services on many topics, with some specializing in areas like leadership, business, communication, work and life fit, health or wellness, while others are generalists.

The opportunity to find a coach to fit your needs is limitless, so how do you find the best coach for you? First, let’s take a look at some of the exciting changes that are happening in the profession.

Real Or Make Believe?

Recently, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) launched an investigation and is taking fraudulent coaching practices to court: a move strengthening the coaching profession.

Coaching is a relatively new profession, and more and more, coaches are becoming certified with credible organizations like the International Coaching Federation, which offers a registry where you can check a coach’s credentials.

Your Coaching Checklist

Are all coaches equal? Unfortunately not — so here are some proven ways to help you navigate hiring the best coach to get the results you want and deserve.

Credentialing And Credibility

1. What is their professional designation? This is important to know, as you want to work with a coach who’s received credible professional training and accreditation.

2. Where did they study? As there are many ways to obtain coach education, be sure to ask what school they attended so you can assess the depth and quality of their education.

3. What are their professional affiliations? Beyond their studies and accreditation, ask what organizations they belong to. Are they members of a local business board of trade or other professional associations or volunteer organizations? This will give you a sense of who the coach really is and their broader interests.

Assessing Expertise

1. How long have they been in practice? Are they a seasoned veteran or new to the profession? What level of experience is important to you as you select your coach?

2. Do they have an informal coaching background? It’s good to know if the coach has informal experience through special projects in the workplace or with volunteer organizations.

3. What is their area of expertise, and how long have they been specializing? You’re looking for the best fit for you, with personality matching and experience at the top of the list. Many coaches specialize in a particular field, like work-life balance, career transitions, stress management, business and professional coaching.

4. Is contacting their current clients possible? References are best checked and verified. Be prepared in advance and have your questions ready. This is a valuable way to gain a clearer understanding of the coach and how they work with their clients.

5. Are peer and colleague reviews available? Who does the coach associate with, and how do their fellow coaches hold them in regard? As we generally interact with similar, like-minded people, this knowledge will help you to see their broader circle of influence.

Peeking Behind The Curtain

1. Request a sample session and test-drive the coach so you have a real and live experience.

2. Did the session meet your needs? Were you comfortable?

3. Were you the primary focus or was the coach too self-focused?

4. Did you arrive at the session with a topic, and was your goal met?

The Fine Print

1. Do they have professional errors and omissions (E&O) insurance? This is another measure of their professionalism and commitment to their business and to you, the client.

2. Is there an agreement you can preview? Transparency is tops, so be sure to ask about important items, like payment terms, cancellation policies and confidentiality.

3. Ask for a link to their code of conduct and standards of ethics.

4. Listen to your intuition — what’s your gut telling you? Is this coach the best fit for you? If not, who can they refer you to?

Now What?

If there’s a fit, and you agree to work together, the flow might look something like this: