Selecting Your Coach
Selecting your coach?
There are over 33, 000 International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified coaches worldwide (over 16,000 of those are in the United States). And many more who hold certification from individual training programs and still more who have an affinity for coaching and just began coaching others. Making a choice from that universe isn’t easy.
Here are some questions you can ask yourself and your coach:
In person or virtual?
Many coaches worked virtually before the pandemic, but now almost all do virtual coaching. If in person is important to you, you will want to narrow your search to local coaches who have in person offers. If virtual works for you, your universe is a big one.
My take – I did in person coaching before the pandemic, but now essentially 100% of my work is virtual, even for local clients. It saves busy people commuting time. When a coachee and I are clicking, we forget we aren’t in the same room. Magic can and does happen virtually.
What kind of coaching do you need?
If you want to change jobs, you probably need a career coach, not a life coach. If you want to lose weight you probably want a fitness or diet coach not a career coach. But there is a gray area. There is overlap between the niches, and you may not know exactly where you want to head with your coaching journey.
Have I done my homework?
Research the coach online, on LinkedIn and their other social profiles. Do they describe their work in the way that resonates with you?
Does the coach offer a discovery call?
Many coaches offer a discovery call at no charge. It is a great way to ensure that their coaching discipline fits with what you need. It is also a great way for you to dig deeper on the research that you have done. And like every other relationship chemistry matters. The coach may have all of the right experience, but if you don’t feel excited about working with them, you should keep looking. Likewise, the coach may not feel that you are a great fit for them.
My take – I offer a discovery call (insert calendly link)
Do credentials matter?
Yes, they do. You would not see a doctor who didn’t have a license. You can hire a contractor who has a license or one who doesn’t.
The gold standard for certification is the International Coaching Federation (ICF). ICF has professional standards and approaches. Certified coaches received training from an accredited school (lots of training); they have had their coaching evaluated and they have passed an exam.
My take -- I am pursuing my ICF certification. I have completed over 100 hours of training and self study , I have over 250 hours of coaching, including mentor evaluated coaching.
There are other certifications that demonstrate qualifications and experience. I got my first coaching certification from Gallup as a CliftonStrengths® certified coach. Their training is aligned with ICF.
You should learn more about your coach’s certification. Did they do an online self-study program or did they participate in live training? Was peer coaching (and evaluated coaching a part of the experience. If they don’t have ICF accreditation, was their training from an ICF approved program.
If they don’t have a certification, you should dig deeper. If a diet coach does not have a certification but has a master’s in nutrition, that means one thing. If a life coach started life coaching because their friends said they were good at giving advice,.... You get the point.
Should I sign a contract?
You should certainly ask about a contract. It protects your interests and those of your coach and is a best.practice. If you don’t sign a contract, you should ask about cancellation policies. Sometimes things don’t work out and you need to understand the implications. Chances are you’ll never have to look at it after you sign it. But I watch enough Judge Judy to know that a contract matters.
We use a very simple contract.
How much should I pay?
It depends. There are a wide range of fees across the spectrum. Some disciplines are more expensive than others. Some geographies are more expensive than others. I’ll just leave you with this thought, “If it is too good to be true, it probably is.”
And remember, this is an investment in you and your success. You don’t want to scrimp on that.