Selecting a Professional Coach

Written by Mission Next Consulting

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) explains the benefits, “Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life.” While there are many different methods coaches use to help their clients explore their current (and future) life circumstances, this article will help you learn where to start your search and how to evaluate coaches. 

Where to Look

The coaching industry is unregulated so pretty much anyone can claim to be a coach. Be prepared to do some homework before choosing your coach. You can start by doing various online searches for coaches in your area, or for coaches with specific specialties, such as military to civilian transitions. Check out LinkedIn too. Ultimately, the best way to find a professional coach is through word of mouth and referrals from friends, colleagues, or transition assistance programs.

As you evaluate options for the right coach, be prepared to discuss the process. Keep in mind that it’s a major red flag if a professional coach asks for a large upfront fee. Most fee arrangements have a structure where you pay for the coach’s time by the hour. Avoiding pre-payment of lump-sum fees ensures that you aren’t locked into a long-term relationship that isn’t meeting your needs and will protect you from inexperienced or unethical practitioners.

Training and Certifications

Some states, like Maryland, issue certifications for coaches who have gone through coursework approved by the state. In Maryland, for example, coaches need to complete coaching coursework that is equivalent to 12 credits in an accredited program.

Some coaches become Board Certified Coaches (BCC) after exhibiting resumes that require years of experience in the legal, counseling, business, or consulting fields. BCC coaches have at least a four-year degree, but most have a Master’s Degree or doctoral degrees (Ph.D., Ed.D., or a DBA). They have also completed credentialed coaching coursework and passed a proctored examination.

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) certifies coaching coursework conducted through programs provided by nonprofits, colleges, and other organizations. Although the ICF does not currently require a college degree or a proscribed amount of work experience, it does require 60+ hours of training using the ICF method, 80+ coaching hours, and passing an examination.

Finding the Right Match

It's critically important that you and your coach have a good personal fit. There needs to be trust between the two of you, and you need to feel comfortable so you can be honest during the sessions. Here are some good questions to ask a coach to evaluate if the coach is going to be a good match for your specific needs:

• What practical coaching or work experience do you have?
• What formal education do you have in coaching? 
• Do you hold any certifications?
• What is your coaching philosophy?
• How do you handle confidentiality?
• Describe your sense of humor.
• How do you define success in the coaching relationship?
• What have been some of your best coaching successes?
• Do you have a defined process for how you work with clients? Please explain this process.
• Tell me about a client coaching experience that didn’t go as well as you planned. What were the reasons for this result?
• What will you expect of me during and between our sessions? 
• How will you hold me accountable?
• How do you address resistance to change in your clients?
• How much do coaching sessions cost?
  

Most coaches offer free sample sessions, which will help you determine the type of coach and coaching style that works best for you. For example, you may want a coach who incorporates specialty techniques like meditation. You may also want to ponder whether you would benefit from a coach with prior military service if you’re a veteran, or from a coach with a business background if you’re working in HR, for example. Consider trying sample sessions with more than one coach to find the right one for you or you can choose a practice that has multiple coaches.

Your Role in Making the Coaching Relationship Successful

To make the coaching relationship successful, plan to show up to your coaching sessions prepared and most importantly—ready to commit to doing what you say you’re going to do. To maintain this commitment, you need to understand your motivations for seeking coaching support. Imagine how ineffective your coaching experience could be if you were just there to please your spouse or parents. There will definitely be times in coaching where you feel stuck or get frustrated. While it may be tempting to just quit when this happens, your resolve to push forward will help you stay with the process at the very moment you need it most.

Your commitment to the process extends to the amount of time you are willing to set aside for coaching sessions – and the work that needs to be done in between sessions. It’s easy to make your coaching sessions into appointments that you just delay. The problem with not maintaining a regular schedule is that it undercuts one of the essential ingredients for effective coaching – time for the process to work.