How do you pick the right conflict coach?

1 Identify your objectives

Before you start looking for a conflict coach, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the coaching process. What are the specific issues or challenges that you want to address? What are the outcomes that you hope to attain? How do you measure your progress and success? Having a clear vision of your objectives will help you narrow down your options and communicate your expectations to potential coaches.

2 Research the coach's credentials

Not all conflict coaches are created equal. You want to find a coach who has the relevant qualifications, experience, and expertise in your area of interest. For example, if you are dealing with a workplace conflict, you might want a coach who has a background in organizational development, human resources, or mediation. If you are dealing with a personal conflict, you might want a coach who has a background in psychology, counseling, or communication. Check the coach's credentials, such as certifications, degrees, or memberships in professional associations. Also, look for testimonials, reviews, or referrals from previous clients or colleagues.

3 Assess the coach's approach

Another important factor to consider is the coach's approach to conflict management. How do they define conflict? What are their core values and principles? What are their preferred methods and tools? How do they tailor their coaching to your specific needs and preferences? You want to find a coach who has a compatible and complementary approach to yours, and who can challenge you, support you, and inspire you. You can assess the coach's approach by reading their website, blog, or publications, or by having an initial consultation or interview with them.

4 Evaluate the coach's availability

You also need to find out how available the coach is for you. How often can you meet with them? How long are the sessions? How do you communicate with them between sessions? How flexible are they in terms of scheduling, rescheduling, or canceling sessions? How do they handle emergencies or crises? You want to find a coach who can accommodate your schedule, budget, and learning style, and who can provide you with consistent and reliable support.

5 Trust your intuition

Finally, you need to trust your intuition when choosing a conflict coach. How do you feel when you interact with them? Do you feel comfortable, respected, and understood? Do you feel motivated, challenged, and empowered? Do you feel confident, hopeful, and optimistic? Do you feel a connection, rapport, and trust with them? You want to find a coach who makes you feel positive and enthusiastic about your conflict management journey.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?