The Value of a Good Coach

Many coaches, like myself, count themselves as lifelong learners. Keeping ourselves in a growth mindset not only improves our own lives, but also helps us to see our clients more fully. To that end, I value the relationships I have with other coaches, who share generously about the themes they see occurring and recurring in their work with all levels of professionals. Some I’ve heard most recently involve the difficulty of building peer relationships, making good decisions in a timely manner and the pressure of performing under intense deadlines.?

A good coach can help you navigate these challenges and find new possibilities within them for yourself, your well-being and the better future you imagine. They will see you fully and hold sacred the things you share with confidentiality and grace. Look for these qualities when you interview candidates to ensure you make the most of what should be a pivotal relationship:

1. Safety: Do you feel comfortable and safe with this person? Do you have the feeling that they regard you with warmth and will support you through a process of growth and discovery?
2. Experience: Have they worked with people in similar circumstances of yours? What outcomes did their clients achieve as a result of their work together?
3. Perspective: What can they tell you about the context of your personal situation? Are your circumstances unique - or common and understood, based on their work with other individuals or organizations?
4. Expectations: How do they work? Does the time frame seem appropriate? What kind of homework would they expect you to do? Does what they are offering excite you? What outcomes might you expect from your work with them?
5. Cost: the cheapest route may not get you the results you were looking for and the most expensive proposal may not serve your needs in the long run. Examine the long-term value you expect from a coaching engagement - and ask all of the questions you need to make your choice.

Expending effort on the front-end will help to ensure you find the right fit will help you achieve the goals you set for yourself. Not all coaches were created equal, but I do believe that there is a coach for everyone, if you know where to look and what to ask.? Fit is critical, and in my experience, when it doesn't feel right, you'll know and so will the coach you're interviewing. We don't mind when that happens, because the good ones want you to achieve your goals and are rooting for you, no matter what. Be as clear as you can with what you want, ask questions and don't be afraid to move on if the relationship is not something you're excited to pursue.