10 things to consider when choosing coach training

I'm often asked “What makes your coach training special?” and “There are so many trainings out there; why should I choose yours?” Of course I am quite biased and simply believe that IECL coach training is THE BEST! However, beyond my very conscious bias, here are the top 10 things that I tell all aspiring (or upskilling) coaches to look out for:

1.     Choose an ACTP program. That is an Accredited Coach Training Program, accredited by the ICF (International Coach Federation) and headed up by an MCC (Master Certified Coach) (this is a requirement of all ACTPs and will make it a better training organisation).

2.     If you want to coach in organisations, choose a school that teaches organisational coaching; it’s not the same as life coaching, or even business coaching, and you need to know both how and why they are different.

3.     Choose a training that is taught by actual practicing and experienced (organisational) coaches (not simply by teachers or academics).

4.     If you can, find training that is practical, so you come out the other end of the training not only knowing HOW to coach, but having practiced coaching, so you feel confident to go out and start coaching right away (coaching practice – and lots of it – is absolutely necessary if you want to become a truly great coach).

5.     Choose a training that is aligned to ICF’s PCC (Professional Certified Coach) Markers. Even if you don’t want to go for your ICF credential (ACC, PCC or MCC) right away, you might as well get training that would allow you to pass the ICF’s rigorous testing…again, this will ultimately make you a better coach.

6.     Try to find a training with a reputation for great results for their students. Ask the school for references and try to speak to an Alumni member who is in a similar position (geographically, age and stage of life) to you, so you can find out how the training was for them, and what it enabled.

7.     Make sure there’s an ongoing program of CPD (continuous professional development) open to you after you start training – ideally you can continue to upgrade your skills via interacting with your school’s Faculty and the other Alumni. IECL are proud to continually invite back our over 6,000 Alumni to regular free CPD events in our 12 locations, plus regular virtual Alumni events. (We have some paid CPD classes as well, so you can continue to grow as a coach).

8.     Test their funny bone! Training sticks better when you’re having fun. Make sure that your coach training organisation has a sense of humour. Dry, academic learning works for academics, but most people learn better from training that is lighthearted and playful.

9.     Make sure that the school you choose has been around for a while – that’s a pretty good indication that they will be around for a while longer, to support you. IECL recently joined Growth Ops, ensuring full support for IECL coach training and our Alumni for many, many years to come.

10.  Go with your gut. Speak to a few different people at the schools you are considering training with…visit them if you can, talk to the Faculty. Then follow your instincts; you know what’s right for you.