5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Coach

Next week is Thanksgiving, here in the U.S., which means you’re most likely going to be asked by your super successful brother how things are going. If you hesitate to answer for even a moment, then consider the following.

It may surprise you to learn that even I have a coach. Therefore, I’m speaking from experience.

Having a coach by your side can be life-changing—that is, if you’re fully prepared to do what it takes to achieve the success you desire.

Here are five questions to ask yourself before hiring a coach.

What does success in your career look like to you from your vantage point now?

If you’ve ever gotten in the car without a destination in mind, then you know how easy it is to meander. Driving around aimlessly may be a fine way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but is being lost a good thing when you’ve got a particular destination and timeline in mind? I don’t think so.?

Before hiring a coach, take some time to figure out how you will define success.

What is one behavior, mindset, way of thinking, or habit you’d like to add to your life or one you’d like to eliminate?

You’ll advance your career much more rapidly if you focus on moving one thing forward a mile rather than ten things forward an inch.

Sometimes people come to me and know exactly what behavior is holding them back. Others have me do a 360-degree assessment, so they can pinpoint exactly which area they should place their focus on.

Am I open to change??

Many people say they’re ready to do the work necessary to become a better version of themselves. Then when the time comes to doing the work, they dismiss all recommendations.

If you’re not ready, then don’t hire a coach. Yes, it’s that simple. If you decide to move forward and you’re not fully committed, you’ll waste your time and money.

Do I have the financial resources to hire the right coach for me?

People reach out to me all the time to ask me about my coaching services. When they bring up price, here’s what I say.?“If you’re looking for a budget solution, I’m not for you.”

I’ve been coaching for over 25 years and have written six commercially published books on leadership and talent. I get my clients to where they want to go a lot more rapidly than I might have when I first started coaching.

People who charge hourly rates for coaching are amateurs. If you decide to engage with a coach who bills this way, then expect to pay for every moment you spend with them—like those law firms who bill by the minute.?

With me, there is never a meter running. We speak when you need me most, and we remain on the line until we’ve accomplished the intent of your call. You know exactly what your investment will be upfront, so there are no surprises later.

Has the coach you're considering been where you want to go?

I’ve saved this question for last, as it seems to be the most controversial. After reading this, some coaches will undoubtedly write to me and say this is not important. It probably won’t surprise you to learn that these people have never been where you want to go.?

Think about it—would you jump out of an airplane with someone who has read (or written) a book on parachuting but has never actually jumped out of a plane? I wouldn’t!?

Before starting my consulting and coaching practice, I was in the executive suite and understand what it takes to survive and thrive at this level. Believe me when I tell you this is not something you can easily learn by reading a book.

As we continue to move out of the pandemic, there will be more and more opportunities for people to move into more challenging roles than the job they currently hold. We’re already seeing this because of the labor shortage many countries are experiencing.

If you’ve been thinking about a coach and considered these five questions, then now is the time to engage a coach. I’m in touch with a lot of coaches, and many are reporting little in terms of availability as more people consider investing in their own growth..

As always, happy to?schedule a call?with you to answer any questions about the coaching process. Just don’t ask me what my hourly rate is!

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