How to Find and Choose a Coach
Although it’s almost a $3 billion industry the field of coaching still remains a mystery to most executives. But if you wanted to try it - how would you find a coach? How would you know if they are any good? How would you choose the right one for you?
A recent article by Dan McCarthy, Director of Executive Development Programs at the Paul College of Business and Economics, the University of New Hampshire indicates “needing a coach” used to be a stigma – but now it has become a status symbol and means of investing in their executives and high potential managers.1
McCarthy also lists the benefits of using a coach as: helping the manager or executive to raise self-awareness, clarifying their goals, achieving developmental objectives, unlocking self-potential and acting as a sounding board.
But how do you find and choose one of these coaches? Start by doing these three things:
- Ask around; word of mouth is one of the best sources for good coaches as some of the best do not advertise their services. You may be surprised who is using a coach!
- Contact the ICF (International Coaching Federation) for some executive coaches near you. Then interview a few, and look for their certification and or training. Coaching is actually a blend of well-studied processes that lead executives through self discovery, and performance.
- Try one out for a short period – to learn about the chemistry that occurs between you and your coach.
But as you do watch for a few signs: a coach that does not have accredited training or certification, or someone who does not seem to remember your plan that was laid out. They may not be as passionately interested and focused on your needs and situation as you are! Remember too that confidentiality and trust are vital to the coaching process as important personal and company confidential information will be shared.
So the mystery of executive coaching has been revealed: it works, it’s available, and you too can find a great coach that fits your needs and will improve your performance!
Citations:
“A Manager’s Guide to Coaching”, Dan McCarthy, Director of Executive Development Programs at the Paul College of Business and Economics, the University of New Hampshire, December 10, 2018 posted on https://www.thebalancecareers.com/manager-s-guide-to-executive-coaching-2275823