Why is choosing a 'Coach' so challenging?

Choosing a Coach …?Truths…?from a Coach.

?There are in excess of 50,000 Coaches practicing globally, confusion is mounting when it comes to how to choose a Coach — and choosing the one that’s right for you, is becoming more tough. Let’s simplify it.         

There are in excess of 50,000 coaches practising globally, confusion is mounting when it comes to choosing the right coach. LET US SIMPLIFY IT...

The past 18 months forced changes for everyone. For me, it led me towards 90% of my attention being ‘one to one Coaching’…as opposed to pre pandemic , it was around 30%.

?People with similar work focuses as myself, will know all too well that “coaching/mentoring” is actually an inherent part of the role. Like it or not!?Every learning day break time, will give you a flux of people asking you ‘how to do this or that’… or ‘what you think about a million scenarios’,’ what I would do with the bad Leader’ … seeking your opinion and help -?it’s an honor, but it’s also an enormous responsibility and strenuous, at times.?

?Across my 26 years in people development, I’ve also gathered a little group of ‘exceptional people’, that are now mostly friends or those that pop up now and again for some guidance, and the ones that will message way into the future “you were right”… and proudly, “look where I am now.” Any human that denies this a powerful self-gratifying element of our role, would be untruthful. I see it as a privilege, and a motivator.

?When you start searching for a “coach” .. it’s an obstacle course and lately, I’ve been reminded how hard it is for people to find “the right coach” and I’ve been looking around at the industry offerings.?Its disturbingly, about as clear as a foggy day.

?Why is it a challenge to seek out

the right Coach??

?It’s a lengthy ‘complex titled’ arena:?Business Coach?(sometimes titled ‘ mentor’) ,?Career Coach, Executive Coach , Life Coach , Goal setting coach, Team coach, Strategic coaches , Leadership coach and on it goes, I think you get the picture.?Similar to an Engineer – You have Electrical, Construction, Mechanical, Civil, Chemical, aerospace… and so on. We don’t just seek an ‘Engineer’. Its no different with a Coach.

?To identify what ‘title’ of coach is one of the first challenges, as no matter what the title, it involves many balanced methods of decision, and deep people skills. We are humans after all. If you need a processed, skills-based solution – read a book – its cheaper!

?If you are feeling lost, overwhelmed, unconfident, or just stuck, try to dig deeper as to why you feel this way. It’s rarely because you’re on top of your game and exceptionally happy. Therefore,?‘robot coach’ rarely helps. To feel this way, doesn’t mean you are down on your game either! The most brilliantly capable and successful executives will typically have a coach, to keep them there . A coach is not always around, to fix problems.

Just recently a very successful Entrepreneur I’ve coached for a while…?had recommended me to one of their contacts. They were a few years behind the level and success of my client. When we spoke, they said a poignant thing “ I couldn’t believe that someone that is so successful,?had a Coach “?

I found myself being reminded of one of my yesteryear stories I’d use in my Advertising sales days . The infamous Pepsi and Coca-Cola story. Cola strategically achieved their goal , to be the world’s number one selling soft drink . When they accomplished it, with great investment in advertising and marketing,?they stopped all big spend here. In this calm, Pepsi swooped in, with the world’s highest spend of advertising at the time, doing the ‘Pepsi challenge on the streets’ (for those of a similar age as myself). Within less than a year , Pepsi took over from Cola and became the world’s highest selling soft drink! Cola came back with vengeance, and re took the title, with astronomical spend on advertising,?and to this date hold their accolade, as the world’s most selling soft drink … and they are one of the world’s biggest global media spenders ! Odd that isn’t it??

So, the most coaching hours sit with the high achievers and super successful.?

?So, to my point of choosing a coach:?

The best fit, is the fit!

Its human connection first, tested.

?Here's some basic must dos ::

1 ) MATCH -?Seek someone who has ‘walked the talk’.

One who has lived and succeed in a similar role or situation as you are in. Otherwise, seriously, how do you expect any true understanding of what you do or may need?

A coach can only go as deep as they have gone themselves. Multiple studies have shown that the quality of the relationship between client and coach, is more important than any particular qualification,?tool or technique used to get results.

?2) PERCEPTION VS REALITY ??Beware of Qualifications in coaching ;

?Qualifications are of minimal use, unless you want 'Robo Coach', or they overlay hands on experience.?A piece of paper stating someone is an airline pilot, doesn’t mean they will get you on the ground safely. Flying hours, practice and experience will.

?3) CLARITY -?Be clear on what you wish to achieve.

Put some pre thought into this. When meeting a Coach and stating ‘I want to be better’ is adding a few sessions, to discover what ‘better’ is. Try and be clearer, for yourself and your coach. This gives you an easier platform for decision. If your car's brakes are weak, you don’t go to a windscreen expert? Also be mindful, a Coach is not there to solve your problems, but to enable you to. One recent client of mine said, on the outset.

‘I don’t want to follow structured coaching techniques; I just need someone that understands and has experienced my current challenges to talk with’’

This led to 12 sessions of fascinating discussion and aligning. But clarity made it the success.

?4) REPUTATION TESTING - Word of mouth is of little use.

Because we are all different, and need different. Someone with ‘confidence issues’ may have found a coach useful, but if you are adequately confident, what recommendation is this? Check what the coaching was focused upon and what was achieved from your recommender.

?5) CONNECTION - Test them! Test you!

Every coach should be automatically willing to have a free of charge , relaxed discovery call. Be prepared. Seek out the depth of any proclaimed coach… But importantly, Chemistry check - Check your Heart, Gut not just head. If you are still somewhat unsure, pay for one test session.

?6) PRODUCTION LINE -?The 1-hour session . Beware of Robo Coach.

Time is a precious commodity for most, and being time focused is an innate skill, a 1-hour session will confirm actions and positioning, and check in points,?but if working on a connected level, 1 hour is harsh. The journey often involves longer sessions, or specific kick start sessions. The best Coaches don’t work on a production line and should be buffering down time. If you feel the coach will set an alarm on you, beware. Ask them how many people they might coach in a day….

?7) IT’S TWO WAYS -?Beware - Your Coach is Choosing You Too!

?People often forget -

You’re selecting one another.

Good Coaches are in demand and won’t just take any client. They will also display integrity if they don’t feel they are the expert for your situation. Openness and straight talking is critical, so approach the situation balanced. Be brave to ask your coach how they feel they are suited and how they think the program will go.

?Finally, as a busy coach, I want to mention one more essential element from people seeking coaching _

BE THERE, BE COMMITED and know its not a miracle fix, you need to do that! Its hard work, but choose wisely and you can reach your true potential.

?Please feel free to contact me at any time

for advice, or a discussion.

?Paula Jane Cox +971 5678 01067

https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/paula-jane-cox-5b0b20b/

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