How to Choose An Executive Coach
Choosing an executive coach doesn't have to be a difficult task.
It is important to allow adequate time to plan, and for the selection
process. Ultimately you will have to choose an executive coach
who is best suited to your individual needs and situation.
- Ask for Referrals
Referrals work! Begin by asking people you trust if they know
any well respected coaches. Your friends and colleagues have
probably heard of someone you might connect with.
- Trust Your Intuition
How do you feel when you talk to the coach? Do you feel
comfortable and at ease?
- Reflect
- What would you like to get out of a coaching relationship?
- What are your goals?
- Are you at a crossroads in your life?
- What are the biggest changes you want in your life right now?
- What expectations do you have about coaching?
- Prepare Questions
Prior to meeting with a potential coach, draft some questions
related to what you want to focus on in the relationship. How
will you and the coach measure the success of the coaching
relationship? What could you learn from this person?
- Ask About Qualifications and Credentials
It’s always a good idea to ask a potential coach about his or
her qualifications and credentials. Most experienced coaches are
certified by the International Coach Federation. Check out "Why
Hire an ICF Credentialed Coach." Regardless of particular
credentials, a prospective coach should be able to tell you what
training and experience has prepared him or her to be a coach.
- Get References
Your potential coach should have the names and contact
information of people with whom he or she has worked
successfully. Contact these people and ask them what the
relationship has done for them.
- Ask About Coaching Style and Methods
Beware of coaches whose methodology and approach are described
using the latest buzzwords and catchphrases ("I’m a holistic
healer who uses macro and micro integral transformation to trend
future openings and gaps"). A coaching model should be clear and
direct.
- Ask Yourself, Is It a Match?
Does the coach’s background, expertise, and experience match
your needs? As an example, a coach whose primary area of
expertise lies in entrepreneurship might not be as suitable if
you’re looking to advance your executive career within a
multinational corporation.
- Ask About Fees, Confidentiality, and Policies
Coaches offer their services at widely varying rates, depending
on experience level, geographic area, credentials and size of
practice. Also, make sure you have a clear understanding about
what is considered confidential and when.
- Ask for a Complimentary Coaching Session
If you have a comfortable feeling about the coach and about the
potential benefits of working with him or her, ask for a free
coaching session. Most coaches will offer a complimentary
half-hour to one-hour session with a potential client. Although
it’s not exactly the same as a "regular" coaching session, it
will give you an idea of what to expect and a sense of the
coach’s style.
When you are ready to choose an executive coach, remember that
you will be part owner of the coaching relationship. If at any point
in the coaching relationship you feel that it’s not working out the
way you expected, talk to your coach. If nothing results from your
conversation, you may want to look for another coach. The
bottom line is that a coaching relationship must be the right fit
for you.
To learn more about MKS&H People' Executive Coaching services,
contact us today!
