How To Hire A Coach

Who to hire as your coach is an important consideration in your coaching partnership. The most important thing to look for when hiring a coach is someone you can relate to easily - this helps create a powerful partnership. A word of advice, don't restrict yourself to interviewing coaches who live in your community. Because most coaching is done over the phone for client convenience, many successful coaching partnerships have been forged between people who live in different cities and between people who have never met, based on client referrals. The International Coach Federation suggests asking the following questions to help you in your decision-making process. They can be asked in person or over the phone.

• What is your coaching experience?
• What is your coach specific training? (Be wary of those who call themselves coaches who haven't had any training in coaching.)
• Do you have a coaching specialty and what kind of people do you usually work with?
• What other work and life experience do you possess that support your ability to coach?
• What is your specific process for coaching (how sessions are conducted, frequency, etc.)
• Do you have your own coach? (This shows a commitment to their own growth as well as having someone mentor them and keep their skills current.)
• Do you have any past or current clients I could talk to to find out what coaching with you is like?
• Can you tell me some of your clients' success stories? (These will demonstrate how the coach has added value to the client's life.)
• Are you a member of the International Coach Federation? (This ensures they are governed by professional practice and ethics guidelines.)

* Base your final decision on a combination of the coach's qualifications: training, depth of experience, testimonials and how well you align with his or her perspectives, approach and personal demeanor.