Top 3 Tips for Choosing a Great Coach

Feb 23

Photo by Todd Lappin

Imagine…. I am standing high on my soapbox.

Last week, I got an invite to a teleseminar “How To Get Started As A Coach (Even Part-Time), Be Well-Paid
To Share What You Know And Help Lots of People”  I should have known from the “part-time” that I wouldn’t like what was going to be said.  This was a “get rich quick” type thing, and it’s misleading…. and infuriating as the “Coach in a Box” people are unleashed on the world.

The first thing that got my hackles up was the implication that oen doesn’t need to special training to be a coach.  Technically, that’s true, because we’re not state licensed, but as a member in good standing in the International Coach Federation who is working towards a professional certification with that body, I believe in the accredited training.  I can’t tell you how much my skills and the skills of my classmates have improved and continue to improve as we continue our education at institutions like Coach University, University of Dallas and Coaches Training Institute.

The second thing that got me was ” you know how to do something that others will gladly pay you to teach them.”  Folks, that is training or it is consulting, but it is for the most part not coaching.

Coaching is a strategic partnership founded on a proven process of discovery, goal-setting and strategic action that focuses on developing the person.  We get results through facilitating better thought, through asking powerful questioning and listening.  In fact, we spend upwards 80% of the session listening, clarifying and mirroring.

Coaching is a profession, just like project management and nutritionist.  This “Coach in a Box” distorts the profession and confuses the consumer.

Imagine me cringing on my soapbox.

Coaching is an investment, and I want you to have the best experience of your life when you decide that you want to achieve more than you ever though possible.  Here are the top 3 tips for Choosing a Great Coach :

Tip #1: Membership in the International Coach Federation – The ICF is our industry association and our credentialing body.  It’s purpose is to advance the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification, and building a worldwide network of credentialed coaches.  Members of the ICF must adhere to a Code of Ethics.

Tip #2: Education – make sure that your coach has an affiliation with a reputable institution.  At Coach University, we learned seven guiding principles that help us to relate to and understand our clients.  We also learned several models that are proven processes for getting results.  While many people who call themselves coaches have excellent listening skills, most don’t have the training and tools that wouls take it to the level of a profession.

Tip #3: Rapport – Make sure you interview prospective coaches to find one with whom you have rapport.  This is an intimate relationship, a patrnership, and you want to make sure you feel comfortable enough to be 100% honest with him or her.

Bonus Tip: Look for testimonials and references.  We all want results, and the best way to guage those results is from people who’ve had the experience.

Whew, I feel much better now that you all know what to look for and am getting down off my soapbox now.

Be Your Best You Today,

Carolann

p.s. – If you want to experience how a trained coach can positivly impact your work and life, contact us today for a complimentary consultation.

Tags: Action Coach, Active Listening, Brain-based Coaching, business coach, Career Coach, Career Management, Carolann Jacobs, coach, coaching, Coaching in a Box, Coaching Scam, Extraordinary Results, facilitation, Inimitable Leadership, Inspired Workplace, Leadership, Legacy Leadership, MakeMoneyCoaching.com