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5 Tips to Picking the Right Coach

“Coaching deepens self-awareness, leading to wiser life decisions, wellness, and career success” Recser Human capital

5 Tips to Picking the Right Coach

We've all been there. The point where we need to change so badly, but we're paralyzed by decisions. Where we want to rise to the next level in our career but lack a clue on how to proceed.

Getting help from a well-trained coach can be a positive and transformative experience, so do not shy away from getting the support you need.

With such a wide variety of coaches in the market, however, choosing the right coach for you can be a daunting task.

Here are 5 helpful tips will help you to find a coach who suits your personal needs and style

1: Understand When to Reach Out

Filtering through thousands of coaching profiles can be a challenge to many. When you add price to the mix, it gets clear why delaying the process of engaging a coach until you reach the breaking point is quite tempting. But as with anything, prevention is always better than cure. Thus, you’re better off engaging a coach before you lose a job, get a divorce, or reach the verge of quitting.

So when is the right time to reach out?

It is important to consider- where are you in your life today? what is it that you would like to change? What will bring you more life satisfaction?

While at it, create a timeline for yourself.

Ideally, you should hire a coach when you have enough time to put in the required tasks.  While the coach will only share methods you can use to get organized, stay motivated, and change your habits, you have to implement the lessons to see results. 

Similarly remember to factor in the coach’s availability. Does it match yours? Can you schedule the sessions around your work hours? Is the coach only available between sessions, or will they be there when you need them in between sessions?

2: Identify Your Coaching Needs 

You may not know the exact topic that you would like to be coached on, but if you are able to identify where you need help most, this can simplify your decision. For example, are you struggling with lifestyle transition during Covid-19? Are you having challenges in your marriage? Do you want to uncover your full potential? Are you having problems in your workplace?

These questions will help you decide the coach of your interest i.e transition coach, career coach, relationship coach, business coach or may be a coach who has combined experiences. Each qualified coach brings with them a wealth of knowledge and experience. The clearer you are on what you need help with, the easier it will be for you to find the suitable coach for you.

3: Look for Synergy 

During consultation or assessment appointments, most coaches will offer you an opportunity to experience a taste of how coaching with them will be like. This is a perfect way to determine if you can work together or if this coach will help you achieve your goals. Depending on where you are in life, sometimes you need someone who can push you hard, sometimes you want someone who is gentle. Either way your coach should be a professional consultant and a trusted confidant. They should be easy to talk to yet observe clear professional boundaries.

Overall, you should feel safe, especially when vulnerable and raw, as you confront those aspects and areas of your life that need support most.

4: Identify Preferred Coaching Systems

Different coaches use different coaching methods to help you meet the most desired outcome. When finding a coach, determine their coaching methods and programs, and check how successful their systems are.

Take time to look at your preferred coaches thought leadership in different areas. Have they published online articles or research on topics that are of interest to you? If they have a website, does it resonate with you? What are the online reviews?

The best coach should explore your problems with you and leave you to find solutions on your own. That way, you won’t be overly dependent on the coach.

5: Meet a Potential Coach 

By now, you should have a list of potential coaches that fit your availability, learning needs, preferred learning style, character traits, and values. It is important to be clear on why you choose to work with a particular coach and what it is you want to achieve.

At the beginning of your coaching journey, every coach will ask you what it is you want to achieve at the end, the clearer you are about your end goal, the more effective and impactful your coaching journey will be.

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