What are the key questions to ask a Life Coaching mentor?

1 What is your coaching style?

Different coaches have different styles, approaches, methods, and tools that they use to help their clients. Some may be more directive, while others may be more facilitative. Some may focus more on emotions, while others may focus more on actions. Some may use specific frameworks, models, or techniques, while others may be more flexible and intuitive. You need to ask your potential mentor what their coaching style is, and how it aligns with your own preferences, values, and goals. You also need to ask them how they adapt their style to different clients, situations, and contexts.

3 What are your expectations and boundaries?

Mentoring is a two-way relationship, which requires mutual respect, trust, and commitment. You need to ask your potential mentor what they expect from you as a mentee, and what you can expect from them as a mentor. You also need to ask them what kind of boundaries they have in terms of time, communication, feedback, confidentiality, and ethics. You need to be clear about how often you will meet, how you will communicate, how you will give and receive feedback, how you will handle sensitive or confidential information, and how you will deal with any conflicts or issues that may arise.

5 How do you measure and evaluate your coaching impact?

As a life coach, you want to make a positive difference in the lives of your clients, and as a mentee, you want to learn how to do that effectively and ethically. You need to ask your potential mentor how they measure and evaluate their coaching impact, and what kind of evidence, feedback, or testimonials they use to demonstrate their value and effectiveness. You also need to ask them how they use this information to improve their coaching practice, and what kind of goals or indicators they have for their own professional development.

6 How do you balance your coaching work and your personal life?

Life coaching can be a rewarding and fulfilling career, but it can also be demanding and stressful. You need to ask your potential mentor how they balance their coaching work and their personal life, and what kind of strategies, habits, or routines they use to maintain their well-being, energy, and passion. You also need to ask them how they cope with the emotional and mental demands of coaching, and what kind of support or resources they have or seek to prevent or manage burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma.

7 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?