There are now many coaches out there to choose from, some specialising and some offering a range of services, but even though coaching has earnt it's place as an effective way for people to improve themselves and their world, the skills of a coach, plus experience and competence can vary. Use this guide to help you choose the right coach for you!

Step 1: Get Clear

What is it YOU want, FIRST?

To get started, ask yourself what it is you want from coaching. This is very likely to be discussed on first contact with a coach, at which point the conversation should give you a reasonable impression of how the coach’s area(s) of expertise will suit your needs. For example if your personal outcomes are based around relationships, then a coach who specialises in career coaching may not deliver the support you need.

Step 2: Don't keep it in the family

Maybe you have a family member or a friend who’s a coach – that may get you “mates rates”, but it may not get you a coach without an overt or covert agenda. People close to may have the purest of intentions; but sometimes these intentions can work there way into the process and defeat the value of objective and powerful coaching.

Step 3: Clue-up!

The body setting the global standards for coaching across the world is the International Coach Federation (ICF). For your information, and to help you make a good decision when choosing a coach, checking out the ICF’s core competencies is worthwhile. This will provide a benchmark of what to expect.

Step 4: Look at their training

Always ask a coach about their training. Who trained them? What standards do they align and work to? How many hours training have they had? Have they received any advanced training? What’s does their own professional and personal development history look like? A common trait amongst great coaches is that they are highly active when it comes to their own development – they are examples of what they stand for.

Step 5: What do others say

Testimonials are always worth a read. They can give you an idea of what successes and experiences previous clients have had. But be aware – only favourable testimonials are likely to make it onto a coach’s website, so don’t be afraid to ask the Coach about any clients they’ve had where the coaching didn’t work. Hard questions promote transparency!

Step 6: What's their methodology

Asking questions around training and previous clients will bring forward much valuable information, taking it one step further is also worthwhile. Referring back to their training ask them what coaching model they use. Most coaches use one; it’ll be the basis of their training, although some may call it a development framework. Then ask the coach how the model evolved and what testing it’s had – refer to the testimonials and ask for examples of how the model helped people achieve results.

Step 7: Do you like their style

Most Coaches in the profession will have so far answered your questions comprehensively and with clarity and the whole exercise is likely to build a good level of rapport. All this aside, one final check to make – what’s their energy like? Do you click with the coach? Does the coach have qualities that you admire and respect? Can you imagine yourself in an ongoing, powerful and productive relationship with this coach? The dynamic between client and coach is of up most importance. Ask them to describe their coaching style, why they coach and their coaching philosophy – this will give you a feel for them.

Step 8: What makes a GREAT coach?

Firstly, what do you think would make a GREAT Coach? Write down your criteria; because it’s what you think which is important. In addition, it’s widely accepted amongst coaches that a good coach has strong ethical reasons for being in the business. A GREAT coach walks the talk, has no agenda, listens to what you say, lets you sit in the driving seat throughout the process, gives you support, refrains from making judgements, gets your permission to ask hard questions, actively seeks to add value to your coaching experience and demonstrates strong and sound integrity from start to finish.

Step 9: You make it happen

The purpose of this article is to offer you pointers to choosing a coach who is right for you. Asking direct questions is healthy as coaching is all about asking the questions that make a difference. A coach who responds well to your enquiries is well worth noting - shop around, make some calls, clue up and then make a decision – it’s your life we’re talking about, not only the dollars you’re spending. Once you have Coach who’s right for you, you’re likely to gain an amazing life-enhancing experience, so be prepared to put in the time, rise to the challenges and make your goals happen.

About the author

David Savage is a Leadership Coach based in Wellington New Zealand. He uses a brain based methodology that fast-tracks learning and development that gives his clients the tools and templates to increase their potential and meet their ambitions.