- What is your coach's background?
Whilst a good coach doesn't need to be an expert in your field, they do need to be able to relate to your world. A coach who was previously a musician might be an excellent coach for an executive looking to get back in touch with their creative side, but not at all suitable if you are looking for support in managing and growing business.
Find out if he/she has experienced personal and professional success in their own life, or if coaching is just another thing that they are trying out while they gain their own clarity of direction.
Some coaches specialise in a particular coaching niche. There are executive coaches, business coaches, life coaches, career coaches, creative coaches, spiritual coaches and many, many more. Make sure that your coach specialises in an area consistent with your needs.
- What coach specific training have they taken?
Some people believe that because they have been good at what they do, that they don't need to train before they begin to coach people, however, coaching is a very specific skill set. Being a good coach is not about subject matter expertise, but rather the ability to ask incisive questions to draw out the client's wisdom, in either their personal or professional life.
Coach training programs vary in content and structure, with programs in Australia ranging from one month to two years in duration.
There are no entry requirements for the majority of coach training schools and completing a coach-training program won't guarantee that someone is a good coach. But it does show recognition of the specialist skills of a coach and a commitment to becoming a coach.
- Does your coach 'walk their talk'?
It's important that your coach is an intelligent, motivated person, with strong levels of self-confidence and a robust self-belief - someone who radiates confidence and success.
A lot of people are drawn to the idea of becoming a coach, because they believe they want to help people, but wanting to help someone doesn't necessarily make you a good coach.
A good coach doesn't work from a position of personal need. He/she works as a coach because they recognise that coaching is a good match for their skills and abilities, and that working as a coach provides them with the opportunity to work in a simulating and satisfying role.
- Is your coach a member of the International Coach Federation?
The International Coach Federation is the professional body for coaches. The ICF seeks to build, support and preserve the integrity of professional coaching and in 2005 a regional body representing Australia and New Zealand was established - ICF Australasia (ICFA).
Coaching is currently an unregulated industry and the ICFA plays a crucial role in offering independent internationally recognised credentialing for both coaches and coach training schools. The ICF has also established a code of ethics that all members subscribe to.
Whilst membership to the ICFA is voluntary, membership can be seen as a commitment to professionalism in coaching.
- What do previous and current clients say?
Ask your coach to provide testimonials or references from their previous and current clients. Although some people prefer to keep their coaching relationship private, your coach should be able to provide some references that include a client's full name and occupation or address.
In addition to general positive feedback, client testimonials can also provide valuable insight into a coach's personal style. Look at the words referees use to describe their coaching experience and see if these are words you would like to use to describe your own coaching experience.
A coach that clients describe as sensitive and nurturing might not be the right coach for you if you're looking to create discipline, accountability and motivation, but perfect if you are wanting to build on your self-esteem and confidence.
- Can you experience being coached by your coach before you commit to a full program?
Deciding to undertake a coaching program is a significant commitment of your time, energy and financial resources. Fortunately most professional coaches are willing to offer you an opportunity to try before you buy.
Some coaches offer a 30-60 minute free trial session. Others offer a no obligation introductory meeting to discuss your requirements and provide you with background information about both coaching and your coach as well as offer you the chance to experience 20-30 minutes of being coached.
It's important to realise that a coaching relationship is a long term one, and a complimentary or introductory session is not a chance to see if your coach has all the answers (remember a coach asks the questions, you provide the answers!), but rather a chance for you to decide if the experience of being coached is a positive one, and one that you believe has the potential to meet your expectations.
A professional coach should not use an introductory or complimentary meeting for a 'hard sell', but rather as a chance for you to find out more about coaching and for both of you to get to know each other a little better. A professional coaching program is a partnership - this initial meeting should be used to ascertain whether or not you would like to form one.
- Is there a genuine rapport between you and your coach?
One of the most important things to consider when selecting a coach is the level of comfort and rapport you feel when speaking with him/her. You will be spending quite a bit of time together, so make sure you choose a coach that you instinctively feel you are going to enjoy working with.
A coaching relationship is built on a foundation of trust, honesty and openness, so its critical that your coach is someone you feel you can be 100% honest with. A good coach won't judge or criticise your choices. instead he/she will provide you with the support you need to make decisions that are right for you, be that in your business or personal life.
Consulting, mentoring and coaching - what's the difference?
- A consultant gives you advice about what you should do and how you should do it.
- A mentor tells you what they have done and invites you to learn from their experience.
- A coach supports, challenges and encourages you, while you work out the best thing to do and the most effective way for you to do it.
Domonique Bertolucci ids the founder and principal coach at Success Strategies and is also the Vice President of the international Coach Federation Australasia - NSW Chapter.
For more information on coaching visit www.success-strategies.com.au or call 1300 137 304. To find out more about the International Coach Federation Australasia visit www.ICFAustralasia.com.
Domonique Bertolucci
Working Women, July 2005
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