So, you’re thinking about hiring a coach! Before you Venmo anyone, make sure it’s a good match.
First off, congratulations on investing in yourself! Even if your organization is paying for your coaching, the process is an investment of your precious time, focus, and energy. It’s not a “check the box” activity. And it will be the best gift you ever give yourself. Pinky swear.
How do I find the right coach? I looked online and my search turned up 5,694,322 coaches in my area.
Yes, there are a lot of us out there! You definitely want to do your due diligence before hiring someone. If you hire the wrong person, you may not achieve the results you want or enjoy the process, and you may start to resent the coach. Not the best investment of your hard-earned money.
Hiring a coach doesn’t need to be complicated. I’ve hired many coaches and I am regularly hired by others, so I have some insight into what makes for a good hiring process.
Here’s a suggested approach:
- Decide what’s important to you in a coach. Consider factors such as area of specialty, gender, geography, style, years of experience, coach training, education, etc. You’re going to work closely with this person – be picky!
- Ask for referrals. Colleagues, your HR team, and friends are all great resources to tap into. With referrals, people will often have firsthand experience with the coach, and this is a better starting point than an online search.
- Gather a short list. Pick three to five people you want to interview. Three to five. Hard stop.
- Internet stalk your list. Check out coaches’ websites and LinkedIn presence. Does this rule anyone out? Is there someone you now really want to speak with after doing your research?
- Select two or three coaches to interview. Not five or six. Why? Because usually, by the time you get to coach number five or six, you can’t remember coaches one and two. More than three discussions and you’ll likely end up in analysis paralysis. Coaching isn’t intended to create another stressor. Make your life easier.
OK, I’ve got my interviews lined up. Now what?
Be prepared with questions and ask everyone the same questions. This may be obvious, but it will help you to compare coaches and make an informed decision.
Not sure what to ask? Here are some suggestions:
- What is your coaching experience?
- What coach-specific training have you done?
- What coaching credentials do you hold?
- What is your area of specialty?
- What types of people or businesses do you work with most often?
- What is your coaching philosophy?
- What types of assessments are you certified to deliver?
- What are some of your coaching success stories?
- What can I expect if we work together?
- How would you describe your coaching style?
- What is your process?
- How long do we work together?
- How often do we meet?
- What are your fees?
How do I know if the coach is a good fit?
Deciding to engage in a coaching relationship is a two-way street. You want to determine that the coach is going to meet your needs, and likewise, the coach wants to ensure that you’re a good fit for them.
Because you’ll be working so closely, it’s important to you know what’s important to you (see above!) and feel some type of connection. (This is why the introductory meeting is often referred to as a “chem check”, or “chemistry check”)
Not feeling the “love connection” after your chem check? Probably not the right coach for you.
How do you know if I’m a good fit for you?
I have my own litmus test for deciding if a client is right for me. We’re a good fit if:
- You’re high-energy and driven.
- You’re curious.
- You have a sense of adventure and are willing to try new things.
- You’re committed to your personal development.
- You have a bias for action.
- You’re introspective and enjoy self-reflection.
- You have some self-awareness.
- You like direct communication.
- You have a sense of humor and appreciate my twisted humor.
- You understand that in order for things to be different in your life you need to do things differently.
If the answer to these questions is yes, we’re a go on my end!
We’re not a good fit if:
- You’re looking to “check the box” on your personal development.
- You don’t like change.
- You’re looking for me to tell you what to do (you have the answers – we’ll uncover them together).
- You’re looking for a quick fix.
- You read the “we’re a good fit” section above and thought, “Oh hell no!” for any of the items listed.
Ok, now what?
If you’ve done your research and the “we’re a good fit” list above sounds like you, let’s do a chem check! Click here to jump on my calendar.
