Thinking of Finding a Coach?
7 Tips to Finding the Right Coach for You
You have probably noticed the growing number and wide variety of group coaching programs, especially since 2020. Globally, the numbers of coaches training programs are also on the rise.
According to this Forbes article written in October of 2017, “Coaching is estimated to be a $2 billion global industry that is rapidly growing, as evidenced by a dramatic increase in coaches, professional coaching organizations and coaching-related research.”
Less than two years later in September of 2019, LinkedIn published this article stating, “The estimated market size of the Coaching Industry is $15 billion [globally] in 2019 with a total of $7.5 billion worth market value in the US alone.”
Then in 2020, according to this article, the US government itself invested close to $3B in business coaching.
As a burgeoning global industry, the coaching industry’s growth has surpassed each annual prediction for years now. This can be seen in the estimated $2B in 2017 figure compared to the estimated $15B by just under two years later. What this means for you is that there is a veritable smorgasbord of coaches at your fingertips, and that coaching can work for you. The proof is in the pudding.
I have written the following checklist to make it easier for you as you consider your ocean of options.
Tip # 1 — Have an idea of what you want
When the pressure of not moving forward leaves you with the sense of limited or no options, the more you know about what you want to create, the more quickly you will move toward it. If you know you want something to change, but you’re not sure of what or how to go about it, or if it seems too big, a coach can be a great help.
A skilled coach will get you to a place of clarity about what you want very early in the coaching relationship so that the bulk of your time working together is dedicated solely to getting you on track and creating traction in the right direction.
Whether you want to improve how you show up for your children, your partner, your students, your patients or your clients, in finding a coach, look for someone who is a veteran at the thing you want help with. Their experience, especially their mistakes and journey of recovery from them, are more valuable than gold.
Let your life’s current puzzle lead you toward your next coach.
Tip #2 — Find a coach that lets you to ‘try before you buy’
How can you get a feel for a new coach if you don’t know what it’s like to work with them? Seasoned coaches believe in their work and know that not everyone is going to be a fit, so it’s nothing to share a couple of hours with you.
If one coach is not who you are looking for, see if they can recommend a colleague who specializes in what you want support with. Even if it’s not a fit, chances are that you will both come away with a new friend and/or connection, so it’s win-win no matter how you slice it.
Tip #3 — Find a coach that you feel comfortable with
If you don’t feel at ease with your potential or current coach, it might not be a good fit. Coaches are people, too and people either share chemistry, or they don’t. It’s nothing personal on either side.
If you’re not feeling it with your current coach, take heart. And take your time. As we’ve observed, there are many coaches for you to choose from, so there is definitely one that is right for you.
Tip #4 — Find a coach that feels comfortable with themselves
One of the many benefits of working with a coach is growing in your sense of feeling more yourself and less encumbered with your ‘baggage.’ I have heard clients describe one of the benefits of our work together as feeling ‘more at home in their skin’.
If these are among the results you are looking for from a coaching relationship, find a coach who has already made that journey. It is easy to tell when you are in the company of someone who feels at home with themselves.
Trust your instincts.
Tip #5 — Find a coach who is results-oriented
Have you ever met a coach or therapist that seems more invested in having their clients for the long term than in helping them move from point-A to point-B?
If you don’t hear your potential coach describe the structure for the work you might do together and how you’ll both know when your work together is complete, let them go by. You want a coach that wants what you want for you and feels confident in their ability to get you there.
Honest coaches are just as eager for you to graduate, as you are.
Tip #6 — When interviewing, listen for indications of learning
Seasoned coaches know that they are students to their work, to their clients and to their practice. They love to see their clients win, so they keep themselves in a game of winning. This means that they keep themselves in a continuous game of personal growth and learning.
If you get the sense that your coach has got you ‘figured out,’ save yourself time, money and disappointment, and walk away.
Tip #7 — Find a coach that offers packages
Coaches that pay themselves hourly or don’t offer a monthly, tri-monthly or semi-annual packages are showing you their experience level.
Working with a novice coach can be a good, economical way to familiarize yourself with how coaching can work. This said, manage your expectations. As it is with all things, practice is the only difference between beginners and masters.
Some pointers for you to get the most from your coaching
Coaches are not therapists, although the work you do together may be therapeutic. Good coaches are good listeners and tend to know people.
Save your time and money if all you want is someone to listen to you. Coaches are trained to get you moving. Coaching is about clarifying a path and taking effective action.
On that note, if your coach gives you an assignment, and it ‘feels weird’ or you’ve ‘never done it like this before’, this is good. You want different. Trying the same old thing, but expecting different results qualifies you for the cuckoo’s nest.
If you want a different experience of your life, you must be willing to try different things.
Thank you for reading! Please let me know if you find this list of tips helpful or incomplete.
Share your experience
Have I left anything out? I would love to hear about your experiences with finding and working with a coach.
image credited to: https://blog.eutelmed.com/content/images/2018/09/COACHING_ET_PERFORMANCE-HD-1.jpg
