If you have decided that coaching is something you want to pursue, the following list of questions can help you find a coach that’s the best fit for you. While not an exhaustive list of things to consider, this top 10 will bring some of the most important factors top of mind. Simply click on any question to learn more details about what to look for.
- Does the coach have training from an organization that is certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF)?
- Is the coach certified?
- Does the coach have his/her own coach?
- Does the coach have a network of other coaches that they work with?
- What testimonials does the coach have available from past clients?
- Does the coach’s price fit within your budget?
- Does the coach have a schedule that fits with your schedule?
- How do you feel after having the first session with the coach?
- What does your intuition say about the coach?
- Does the coach seem more interested in you and your goals, or more in just getting you as a client?
1. Does the coach have training from an organization that is certified by the International Coach Federation (ICF)?
To help ensure the coach is someone who has been properly trained, check to see which organization he/she trained with. You can then log on to www.coachfederation.org to see if that school is listed on the ICF’s official list of approved training organizations. (Of course, there may be other strong training organizations that are not on the ICF list, but it’s a great resource to help you understand the coach’s training history.)
2. Is the coach certified?
Great coaches will have trained with an official coaching organization. However, many coaches are also taking the extra step to get ‘certified’. You can think of having official training similar to getting a Bachelor’s Degree, while certification is like obtaining a Master’s Degree. Ask whether the coach is certified, or if he/she has plans to get certified in the future.
3. Does the coach have his/her own coach?
Many coaches have, or have had, their own coaches. If a coach truly believes in the power of coaching, they’ll have been a ‘client’ themselves at one point. Inquire about their involvement with other coaches.
4. Does the coach have a network of other coaches that they work with?
A coach should always act with your best interests in mind. It’s possible that he/she knows a coach who may be better suited to your style/needs (e.g. one that is a spiritual coach, one that has an extensive background in health/nutrition, etc.). If you don’t feel the two of you are a good fit, simply ask if the coach knows of other coaches that may be a good fit for you.
At Free the Goldfish Coaching, we pride ourselves on our quality coaching network. And with our CoachMatchUp™ tool, we take great care to match you up with a coach that best meets your style/needs.
5. What testimonials does the coach have available from past clients?
If the coach/company has a website, check to see if they have a ‘testimonials’ section. If not, ask the coach/company if they have a list of testimonials available. To protect clients’ confidentiality, many coaches will not be able to put you in contact with their clients directly. However, they may have some quotes from people who have taken their coaching program.
6. Does the coach’s price fit within your budget?
The more training and experience a coach has, the more expensive they are likely to be. It’s definitely worthwhile to find a coach who has a proven track record, but be sure it fits within your budget. (Beware of coaches who offer a seemingly ‘great deal’; a coach offering rock bottom prices may not have adequate training.)
7. Does the coach have a schedule that fits with your schedule?
Some coaches only work certain parts of the day/week. Ensure that their schedule can sync up with yours. This is particularly important if you find the coach you want to work with is located in a different time zone.
8. How do you feel after having the first session with the coach?
After the first session, you can often get a sense of whether or not you’ll get along with the coach. You may want a coach who offers a ‘no holds barred’ approach to keep you on track, or one that has a high level of energy that you find inspiring.
9. What does your intuition say about the coach?
Listen to your gut! If you feel that the coach is going to be great, roll with it. If you feel a bit uneasy about working with an individual, or just don’t feel the ‘click’, then keep your search going.
10. Does the coach seem more interested in you and your goals, or more in just getting you as a client?
A good coach will have your interests in mind at all times. If the coach seems more interested in just getting your cheque, then keep your search going.
Free the Goldfish Coach Guarantee Program
At Free the Goldfish Coaching, we’re committed to making sure you get the most you can from your coaching experience. That’s why we have our Coach Guarantee program. If at any time you’re not satisfied with your first coach, let us know and we’ll match you up with another one of our coaches and give you 2 free sessions with your new coach to get things back on track.
