A search for a coach typically starts when you need to hone your existing skills or adopt new capabilities. You feel you have to explore both inside and outside of your boundaries. At this point in your life or career, the question then is, not To Hire or Not, but how to go about the screening process. There are two parts to this question. One is to check out the coaches’ credentials, experience, and rating. The second is to check out if the Coach is the best fit for you.
Let’s look at some of the pointers to keep in mind that can help you choose the best-fit Coach for you.
1. A Coach who shows a Genuine Interest in You
Check if the coach has a track record of being consistently supportive throughout your exclusive learning journey. Do they display an inclination to understand your context or do they just ramble about their products? Do they encourage you to share your journey and your learnings or do they appear prescriptive?
If you find them listening to you keenly, replying using your context, you got them right.
2. Authenticity
Authenticity is something difficult to define and is rather a felt attribute. It may not be readily identifiable, but it is possible to separate the chaff from the grain. Check out the testimonials and see if there are any lack of congruence in the person's actions and expressed values and what their mentees testify. Look for Integrity, rest will follow.
3. Collaboration
Avoid Coaches who are prescriptive, though a prescriptive approach works well when all that is needed is skill development. What you are looking for is a deeper, transformative change that can only emerge if your unique story is used and transformed.
4. A Coach must challenge your thought process
When you spend a little time with the Coach, you must feel energized and spurred on to be reflective and to question your preconceived notions. Check if you get a palpable feeling of being challenged and stumped.
5. Vulnerable
A Coach, in the traditional sense, is expected to be rather paternalistic and authoritative. But the Coach that you need is the one who is secure in his skin, and confident enough to express vulnerability. People who can be vulnerable are secure enough not to damage you in retaliation. They are the best people to be around, to say the least.
6. Domain Knowledge
Domain knowledge can be assessed through their credentials, but always check if they can also understand the other functions beyond their specialization. This indicates flexibility and adaptability in them - attributes that will be useful for your learning journey.
7. Cultural Alignment
Work values and ethics count a lot more than we give them credit for. Ask yourself, if their values align with yours. This is one essential requirement in your best-fit Coach.
8. Follow-Through
Even the best coaches fail if they can’t hold you accountable and follow through with execution. Look for someone who offers complete sustainable support throughout your learning journey.
If you need more information, check out our coaches and programs here to see what fits your needs best. You can also place a call back request and our mentors will connect with you.
