How can you find a coach to build your confidence?

A good coach with the right questions can help the client to get clear on their desired outcome. The job of a coach first is to help you understand where you are, then where you want to go, and finally how to breach the gap that currently exists.

An exceptional coach begins the process of clarity on the sales call. The coach needs to put the needs of the customer before their own. When speaking with the coach, the customer needs to make sure they are being heard and the coach is mirroring back their words and asking thought provoking questions. As a customer you may have an idea of what your obstacles are, but a good coach will delve deeper with you and uncover the unknowns that may be driving the issues.

There are so many ways to find coaches, and some employers even offer coaching as part of their employee benefits! While there are many types of coaches out there, it's essential to check their qualifications and credentials. See if their story resonates with you, and if their training is in line with what you're looking for.

Many coaches offer free breakthrough calls. These calls aim to help you get clear on your problem and see if you have a good rapport with the coach. During the conversation, you'll be able to see if they're a good fit for what you need.

Look for a coach that speaks to you. Do not just look for the glittery website and social media. Really read their content and ask yourself if they seem like someone you would like to have coffee with on a rainy afternoon. When you get on an exploration call with a coach, pay attention to how they speak about themselves, you and your goals. Are they listening or just trying to sell? My advice, go with your gut. If they feel authentic and aligned with your inner values, they may be the right person for you.

In the coaching world, authenticity is key. As a client you need to feel comfortable and at ease with your coach. They should be judging you or offering 'advice'. Within you are all the answers needed. The coach is there to ask provoking questions that guide your inner knowing to the right solution for you.

The coachee and the coach both need to feel comfortable and aligned on the goals and expertise that are being sought. Sometimes, having someone who is only a few steps ahead of you as a coach can be very valuable because the coach can give insights into more practical steps. But at other times, having someone who is an expert in that area can be helpful to help drive the bigger picture. But at all times, it is important to build awareness of what you are looking for and what the other person is providing. Only when there is a match and alignment, there can be growth in that partnership.

Any coach you work with should have a contract for you to sign that outlines expectations, the quality of the service, and what the cancellation, no-show, and early contract termination policies look like. This will help ensure that there isn't further conflict down the road.

In my experience, if you're committed to change and take full responsibility for your progress, a coach can help you. The best coaches keep their clients accountable and request their client's total commitment. If you approach each session with the responsibility to identify, understand, and apply what you will discuss with your coach, you'll start seeing the changes happening.

A coach in not a guru or magician. They cannot get your results for you. Only you can do the work and get the results. A good coach will push and stretch you. They will query accountability measures and supports you may need to complete your objectives. As a client, you have to be open to the process and come to every coaching session with an open mind, the desire to communicate and the personal follow through to get results.

Connect with a coach that helps you articulate your quality world / wants and understands how to apply self efficacy strategies throughout the process. (Choice theory and Health Action Process Approach, social cognitive theory).

The real transformation happens when you fully commit to the process of working with a coach. A coach can't wave a magic wand to make you change. You are the one that's responsible of being open and transparent with your coach, and taking accountability of your action steps that you take away from each session.