The more you research business coaching the more you will realize a lot of differences between coaching styles and beliefs. Some are coaching to a specific topic or agenda while others seem to offer everything from industry specifics to personal therapy! I personally don't want my business coach giving me advise on my relationships and vise versa!
When I look for a coach, and I have had several, I think of what exactly is my challenge and do they have the background and experience to guide me through it. Here are my 5 considerations I make before hiring a coach.
1.
Background The first thing
to consider when hiring a coach is their Experience and Education. Ask first where did they get their
certification, training or experience in coaching. Coaching is much more than simply listening
and giving direction or advise. For
most of us we deal with internal conflicts that simply prevent our unconscious
mind from seeing the solution. It is our
belief that professional training is required to guide a client to create new
associations, allowing the client to make new decisions. We believe experience
matters. Look for a coach with over 1000
hours of coaching experience. This will
insure they have applied what they have learned and have got verifiable results
with their clients.
2. Industry Specific Does your coach understand your
industry? Since several industries are
similar in process, they don’t have to have specific experience within your
industry. They do on the other hand need
to have experience with the issues common in your industry. In addition, has your coach achieved the same
level of success within a similar industry?
It is difficult for a coach to coach you on managing employees if they
have never managed employees themselves.
3. Skills Can your coach help you with your
specific challenges? Most coach’s have a
specific skills or strengths they have developed through personal experience. Ask your coach how their skills can help you
with your challenges. Avoid vague
answers like “I will be a sounding board”.
EXAMPLE, If your business is suffering from not having enough leads,
look for a coach that has specific skills in lead generation techniques.
4. Track Record Be
clear with your coach about how success, in working with your coach, will be
measured. “Success leaves clues”, an
experienced coach will have an understanding of how long it will take to coach
you to your next level of success.
Since many coaches and coaching companies require contracts ranging from
3 months to one year be sure to ask for testimonials and references from
clients that have experienced coaching with them and their organization.
5. Connection It is difficult to follow the guidance
from someone you don’t respect or connect with.
The relationship between the coach and the client is built on
trust. Although it is much more than
that, the balance between caring and candor in the relationship allows the
coach to be kind when the client needs support and strong honesty when the
client is not doing the activities they agreed to complete.
If you are you interested in professional business coaching visit my Coaching Inquiry Page. It will ask you a series of questions and you will be scheduled a complementary coaching session to see if coaching is right for you.
Sean
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