How to Choose the Right Coach for You
Author: Mike Densmore
Estimated Read Time: 4–5 minutes
Category: Reflections
Abstract: Finding the right coach for you can seem like a challenging task but don’t let it be a barrier to you finding the best partner to help you attain your goals. There are a lot of people that call themselves ‘coaches’ but not everyone is trained to the same level. Asking questions around coaching style and understanding the ethical and professional practices of each coach will ensure that you get off to a great start with a coach that will support you in the ways that you need to be supported. Your chemistry and contracting introductory call is the best place for you to ensure that you are signing on with someone that has your best interests in mind.
So you’ve decided to pursue to coaching. You’ve begun to scour the various coaching websites across the internet, you’ve discovered Vantage, and now you may have an idea of who you are interested in reaching out to for an introductory meeting. Other than recommendations and flashy websites, how have you picked the coaches you’re going to reach out to?
Finding a mental health professional to work with can be a murky and confusing process. How can you understand the varying styles and qualifications of the coaches you’re interested in? How do you know that the coach you picked is right for you? Below are some standard questions that you can ask to gain some clarity around the services, quality, and ethics of the coaches you meet with. Coaching often comes with commitments of both your time and money. It’s important to know that you’re partnering with someone that you can trust who will challenge you and practice in a safe and confidential environment.
Finding the right coaching style for you
There are numerous styles of coaching which are underpinned by sound psychological principles. Coaches can specialize in skills development (Action Goals), performance improvement (Knowledge Goals), developmental (Experiential Goals), and existential matters (Wisdom Goals). It’s important to understand your ‘Why’ that has attributed to your interest in coaching so that you can clearly communicate it to each coach to gauge whether they are a good fit for you. Understanding the style of coaching that your prospective coach specializes in will help you to check this alignment for yourself.
Sample Questions:
What coaching styles and principles underpin your style?
What types of goals do you most commonly help your clients attain?
Do you feel like your coaching style aligns well to the goals I’ve shared with you?
Is your style more coach or client led?
How will you work with me between sessions?
Are the practicing professional and ethical Coaching
The Coaching profession has recently experienced significant growth as more people seek guidance around career changes as a result of the pandemic. According to LinkedIn, professional and personal coach is the 8th fastest growing job title, with an 101% increase on the social networking site. So how do you ensure that the coach you choose to work with is qualified, practicing professionally, and practices ethical coaching? Although ethics is respective to the individual, there are several questions which you can use to gauge the professionalism and ethical compass of the coaches you screen. Coaches who attended schools or programs which are professionally certified by the Association for Coaching or International Coaching Federation were required to study the ethical implications of coaching and are a good place to start. Most coaches will make this apparent early on and may even provide you with a copy of their code of ethics prior to starting the engagement.
Sample Questions:
Were you trained by an accredited coaching program? Are you a member of the AC or ICF?
Can you provide me with the code of ethics which you follow as a coach?
What type of ongoing professional development do you follow as a coach?
Do you attend Supervision or peer coaching?
How many sessions do you usually work with clients?
By screening prospective coaches for these considerations before signing on to a broader engagement, you will ensure that they are professional ethical, and are the right fit for your own personal needs. I would recommend making sure that you touch on these points prior to signing on with any coach. Most coaches will offer a free chemistry and contracting session prior to starting any formal coaching engagement, this is the opportune time for you to gain clarity around these topics and any other questions you may have. Think of this session as an interview where you’re looking for the optimal candidate to help you grow into the person that you want to be. Showing up prepared with questions you need answered and listening carefully to the coach’s response will put you in a strong position to ensure that your time and money are going towards something that is going to give you the return you’re looking for.
