What does a good business coach look like?

Every month there are 1.5 million internet searches under the term ‘business coach’ and the multitude of responses to this search can be hard to navigate.

In such in a crowded market it can be difficult to understand what a business owner should be looking for in a business coach. Here are some observations about what makes a good business coach.

1.??????Experience always dates. Don’t just rely on their experience in leadership teams or setting up businesses. Understand what and who they have been coaching and how that applies to your situation. There is no doubt experience is important, but it shouldn’t be the only thing the coach offers.

2.??????Understand if the coach has a proven structure or system they use to help you and your business. ?This is important, if they have a proven structure or system, the coach won’t be practising on you or experimenting with new ideas. Structure and repeatable processes lead to great outcomes. A good coach knows this and leans into it.

3.??????It’s not the job of a good coach to be a cheerleader for everything you do or say. A good coach will challenge you and take you to places that may feel very uncomfortable.

4.??????They will set expectations, confirm them and hold you accountable for delivering them.

5.??????In whatever form a good coach communicates with you they will do so with the best interests of the business at heart, even when it hurts. Reality is important.

6.??????A good coach will listen, interpret and then playback what has been said to ensure that assumptions aren’t made about people or the business.

7.??????A good coach will ask a lot of questions and will not make too many statements. Look for a curious mind and a good question to statement ratio.

8.??????A good coach will also understand the power of silence. Sometimes not talking is more powerful than offering any instruction, facilitation or observation.

9.??????In an unregulated market a good coach will have some form of certification and/or relevant qualifications to deliver great outcomes for business and be participating in a program to always improve their skills. ?

10.??Fit – not all coaches fit all people or businesses, make sure you can work with the coach to deliver the outcomes. You will be spending a bit of time with them so it should be enjoyable (most of the time).

By thinking about these points, you are more likely to engage with a business coach that can really help you and your business. Importantly, ask yourself these questions:

What would your life look like if you were to achieve what you want from your business?

Do you need help to achieve that?