Before committing to any product or service, it is very important to know if it actually works!
When it comes to coaching, the answer can be complicated. Most of the results in coaching come from three things, your willingness/ability to implement what you are learning, how often you implement that new change or practice, and how much you feel connected to and trust the coach you are working with. In this blog, if you are willing and ready to practice, the only other issue is the quality of coach. In this article, I will share 6 questions to help you figure out if the coach you are working with is the right fit!
First, let’s draw a comparison: how do we know if football coaches are helpful? Well, we could say, in general, they are very helpful and even vital to have if you want to be a football player. But, there are some football coaches that might teach bad technique and set you back. Not all coaches have the same knowledge, skill, or dedication. Some might see coaching as a side job they do for fun. And even if the coach is phenomenal, if an athlete doesn’t show up to do the work, put in their best effort, and follow through with the training, they won’t be successful.
So how do you know which coaches actually can teach you what you need to know to succeed? As a life coach who has also had my own life coaches, I ask the following six questions to determine a quality coach and up to my own standard.
- What kind of training have you received? Unfortunately, anyone can call themselves a coach and have no actual qualifications. Always ask how long their training was, how much they have financially invested in their training if they have their own coach, and if they have anyone supervise their work.
- How long have you been a coach? According to statistics, 81% of life coaches quit in the first three years because they are not making enough money. I recommend only working with someone who has a proven track record (such as online reviews) and has been in the field for at least five years. This shows their long-term commitment to success, and growth beyond the barriers they might encounter. They practice what they preach.
- Do you have another job as well, and why? I don’t mind if a coach has multiple business pursuits, but the big red flag is if their other job is something they do not like, is not helping them grow, or is something they are trying to get out of.
- What do you do for ongoing professional development? There is no board or group that oversees and assures continued education for coaches, so many coaches may not invest time and energy in their own growth.
- How do you think people change? The goal with this question is not that they have the one “right” answer. In fact, people are complex, so there is no one right answer. The goal is that they actually can communicate how they will help you change and do so in a way that is not overly complicated, makes sense to you, and leaves you with some clarity.
- Where can I find reviews from past clients? Graphics they made to post on their website are one thing, but how do you know if they wrote their own reviews? Make sure they also use a system that has an independent verification process, like Bark, Yelp, or Google.
By asking these questions, you can gain valuable information that will save you tremendous amounts of time, energy, and frustration! It could potentially even help you avoid committing to a coach that might set you back further! You are your most valuable investment, so never settle for second best when it comes to your mind and your goals!