How do you hire the right coach? That’s a great question and a very important one. The cornerstone to a successful coaching experience is hiring the right person. You want a coach who will prove to be a good match for your needs, level of experience, time schedule, budget and personality.
Your coaching needs – Before you hire a coach, you should be very clear about what you want to achieve and, how your coaching experience will support those successes. What are your expectations about working with a coach?
For the best coaching experience, you are going to have to make an emotional and physical commitment to the success of your coaching sessions. In order to do that, you have to be very clear about your coaching needs and expectations.
Your level of experience – Hire a coach who understands where you are now and where you want to be in the future. The coach you choose to work with must have skills that evenly match your coaching needs and expectations. Your potential coach must be well versed and experienced in those areas you wish to become more proficient.
Here are a few open-ended questions you may want to ask a potential coach:
- Tell me about your achievements in the area of ________.
- What are your professional experiences in this area?
- Have you written books, articles or other materials in this area?
- Do you have testimonials from past coaching clients?
- Why do you believe you are best coach for me?
- What is your fee structure and coaching schedule?
- Will you be willing to put all of this in writing?
Your time schedule – A coach must be willing and able to work with your time schedule. On the other hand, you must also be willing to work with their schedule. You want to work with a coach who is as committed to your successes as you are. That means, the two of you work together to develop a consistent coaching program. Flexibility is important but so is an even flow and exchange of information and ideas between yourself and your coach.
Your budget – You want to hire a well versed and experienced coach and yet, not break your bank. This can sometimes be a fine line – most of us believe that the more expensive the coach, the better the coach.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Just because someone charges a lot of money, doesn’t mean they are the best fit for your coaching needs. You’re looking for someone you understands where you are now and where you want to be in the future. Don’t break your budget! See if a coach will work out a payment plan or offers a discount for six month or twelve month coaching commitments. It doesn’t hurt to ask.
Choose a coach who is compatible with your personality – I can’t stress this enough! If you and your coach are at emotional or philosophical odds, this isn’t going to be an empowering and trustful relationship. Coaching involves trust between yourself and your coach. If the coach’s style is uncomfortable for you, you are not going to learn or perform at your best.
Compatible personality styles are important when choosing a coach. Now don’t get me wrong, you want a coach who is going to give you a “kick in the pants” when you need one but, it is how they give you this “kick” that will make the difference.
Finding the right coach for you is a huge part of a successful coaching experience. Take your time, do your homework and ask questions – this is a decision that could very well affect many of your future personal and professional successes.
If you have coaching questions please email me directly or ask your question on our Business Coach forum.
Link to our Business Coach Forum
