I know, there are so many cowboys out there, it can be hard to know where to start!
One of the questions I get asked the most often is “How do I find a Coach? And how can I tell if they are good?”. So you are not alone!
As coaching is a relatively new field, and therefore not yet regulated, there are sadly a lot of people out there calling themselves Coaches and saying that they Coach that really aren’t BUT the good news is I’m going to help you find the Coaches that know their stuff, and that are right for YOU!
Tip 1: Do they have the training?
First things first, while Coaching is not yet Regulated, there are recognised professional bodies out there that approve Coaches and training programs. So make sure whoever you want to work with has undergone training by an industry approved body, this way you will know that the person you are considering working with has undergone a vetting process, achieved a substantial level of training and experience, and are accountable to a professional code of ethics and standards.
Basically this will confirm that they will know how to Coach. Effectively.
Recognised Professional Coaching Bodies:
- International Coaching Federation (ICF)
- Association for Coaching (AC)
- Association for Professional Coaching and Supervision (APECS)
- European Coaching and Mentoring Council (EMCC)
Tip 2: Are they an NLPer?
Neuro Linguistic Programming. I’ll explain.
Within the context of Coaching you are likely looking to change things that are not working for you right now.
At a very high level, NLP really is a collection of models, techniques and strategies for modelling excellence, in order to help us better understand how our thought processes and behaviour, including how the language we use, influences the way we think and the results we get. Modelling excellence in any field enables us to bring about a positive change in ourselves and others.
In one sentence, if your Coach is trained in NLP, they will be equipped to help you change.
Make sure your Coach is a Licensed NLP practitioner.
Tip 3: Do they continue to learn?
There are coaches out there who completed industry approved training that will be able to do the job. However in my opinion, they can only bring you so far.
There are consistently new discoveries being made about the brain and it’s subconscious, and as a coach it’s really important that we understand as much about the brain and the subconscious, and how to work with it as possible.
The truly great coaches are those that are continuous learners and are able to bring in and incorporate elements of neuroscience, energy work, breath work, spiritual work to support all elements of you as a human through the change process.
See what else they have training in outside of Coaching. Where else do their interests lie?
Tip 4: Walk their talk.
This is one of the most crucial tips for me.
The best Coaches have their own Coach.
How can someone expect to support you through a process that they have never been through themselves?
You can ask them this in a discovery call. It’s a very normal question, and only those Coaches who are not investing in themselves will mind answering the question.
For true success, you want someone who walks their talk. They need to understand personally what it feels like to be in their Clients shoes.
Tip 5: Are you comfortable?
Do you feel a connection to them? When you speak to them, what does your gut instinct tell you? Do you feel safe? Do you feel like you can trust them?
It is extremely important that you feel safe with the Coach you choose to work with. If that feeling in your tummy doesn’t feel good when you speak to them walk away. It doesn’t matter how many followers they have, or how many people they have helped already. It doesn’t necessarily mean they are not an effective Coach, just not right for YOU.
If you are looking for a Coach I am assuming what you want is change. If your unconscious detects in any way that you are not sure about your Coach it will resist all change at all costs.
The last thing we want is for you to walk away from a Coaching experience not having changed what you wanted to change, and feeling like a failure.
If you feel good, go for it. If you don’t feel good, don’t go for it. Simple.
There are plenty of good coaches out there, and one that is perfect for YOU.
Tip 6: Pre commitment chat?
A professional coach will offer a free consultation call to understand what you want help with, and also, if you are right for each other.
A professional coach will understand the importance of both Coach and the client feeling good about the relationship, and will want to ensure the connection is there.
A professional coach will also want to ensure that the topics the potential client is bringing to the table are suitable for Coaching.
A professional Coach will want to set you both up for success, whether that means agreeing to work together, or supporting you to find an intervention method that is more suited to your needs.
Basically, go for someone that is willing to talk to you before you hand over money.
Tip 7: What are they saying on Social?
This seems like a fairly obvious one, but a good option to narrow down your list.
Check out what they are saying on their social media platforms.
Do you connect with their message? Does it resonate? If yes then keep them on your list, if not then they’re probably not for you.
Tip 8: $$
Yes, Coaches are expensive.
It is an investment, and the good ones are literally helping you change the trajectory of your entire life.
Remember tip 3? The great Coaches typically invest in their own coaching skills and learning on a continuous basis, year after year after year, and bring all of that knowledge into your sessions.
Spend within your means, don’t go into debt for a Coach. Do your research, speak to a few coaches before you decide which one is right for you. It’s my hunch that the coaches that blow you away will be the ones that cost slightly more. They are worth it.
