The right coach for you..?

…And are you the right client for them?

Embarking on coaching can be a big decision. If you are thinking of starting coaching, there are lots of things to consider when choosing your coach. I recently wrote about finding a coach that ‘gets’ you. I feel another very important consideration is…

Are they the right coach for you?

Are you the right client for them?

So how do you find this out??

No obligation ‘Chemistry’ meetings

(As a former research scientist, I struggle with this terminology!)

Does the prospective coach offer no obligation phone calls or meetings, or so-called ‘chemistry’ or ‘discovery’ sessions, so that you can both see if you are the right coach/client for each other?

Coaching is an investment of both time and money. Reputable coaches will talk/meet with you before you enter into a coaching contract/agreement.

– A very different approach to the ‘run to the back of the room with your credit card’ approach… ;)

Even if your employer is paying and/or has arranged the coaching, you can ask for an introductory session – to see if you are right for each other before committing to the coaching programme or relationship.

Is this the right coach for me?

In an initial discussion you can find out if they’re the right coach for you and your goals – and if you’re the right client for them. In particular:

Does the coach have experience that’s relevant to you and your goals?

Are they a good match for you in terms of style/energy?

– this doesn’t mean they have to be just like you! Contrasting styles can be very helpful if you would benefit from seeing or doing things differently from the way you’re doing them today…

What type of coaching do you offer?

There are many different coaches with different ways of coaching. Your initial discussion should help you understand the type of coaching a prospective coach offers. A good coach should give you:

A clear explanation of the process

Flexibility in when, or for how long, you would work together

Also try to determine..

Is this a ‘professional’ coach?

For example, ask your prospective coach:

Are they trained and qualified?

Will the coaching sessions be confidential?

What else makes them the right coach for me?

In the course of your introductory discussion it should be easy for you to decide if the coach has:

Exquisite listening skills

Over to you…

What is your experience of coaching?

What’s your experience? Were they the ‘right’ coach for you?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. Or please get in touch via the contact form or call me on +44 7526 740486.

Let me know if you would like a no obligation conversation to talk about you and your aspirations. Ask me about my special offer of 3-months concentrated coaching support to get 2019 off to a great start!

Or to do some research and to find out more about my style of coaching and what happens in a typical coaching session, please see my FAQ page.

[To get your free copy of my eBook ’10 things to consider when choosing a coach’, sign up for my fortnightly newsletter using the sign up box on the 1:1 coaching page.]

Best wishes!

Sian

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