In the previous articles, I’ve detailed the reasons to turn to a coach, but also the right time to do so. Another very important aspect is one related to the way you choose the right coach for yourself so that the coaching sessions are indeed fruitful.
The key to choosing the right coach
Whether you want to hire a coach for your subordinates or you are looking for the right coach for yourself, it is necessary to keep in mind that beyond the training and experience of the coach that matters a lot, studies on coach selection show that openness and the so-called chemistry between you and the coach are the most important. What does this mean? It means that when you have an adequate affinity with the coach, the results of the sessions will be much better, the efficiency higher and the overall success much more stable. Beyond this aspect of affinity, opinions are very different in terms of other important ingredients in selecting the right coach.
The importance of experience
The experience the coach has is such an ingredient, and it is important, but looking for a coach who has worked on exactly the same situation as you or your organization is currently experiencing is not very effective. Situations or problems as you call them, have specific, individual features and even in a similar situation, the fact that the person who benefits from the coaching session is different and has other resources, qualities, and another degree of openness, makes the difference. Whether you are looking for someone who has worked with a situation similar to or identical to yours, the results can be completely different, precisely because of these subjective factors detailed above. Therefore, experience is important, but punctual experience in a certain field will not guarantee global success.
The importance of methodology
Another important ingredient is the one related to the methodology used by the coach. If in your discussion with the coach s/he cannot explain to you the method s/he uses, respectively what results you could expect, something is wrong and it is worth looking for another coach. Currently, there are several coaching schools on the market, each providing training in a certain branch of coaching. If the coach does not master this method or the methods he was trained in, he will not be able to provide clear and reliable guidance.
How important is training in psychology or psychotherapy?
On the other hand, the question of whether the professional training in the field of psychology or psychotherapy brings a plus to the coach arises in some clients. I looked for statistics on what is considered important to clients and only 13% of the many respondents to the survey I studied considered psychology training to be important to the coach, placing it penultimate on the list of ingredients that are important for choosing a coach.
The first 3 places with over 60% being occupied by:
- affinity with the coach
- the experience in working with people and
- the clear methodology which is used.
Steps in choosing the right coach
Therefore, when choosing the most suitable coach you should see first of all what your affinities with him or her are, follow a little their online activity, videos, articles, testimonials, area of interest, field of expertise. The chemistry between you and the coach is the most important, so make sure that there can be a good connection between you and the coach, that s/he inspires confidence and accept the idea that exposing your vulnerability to the coach is necessary to obtain the desired results. This way you make sure that you have a state of comfort towards the coach and that you resonate with him or her.
Then find out the details about the packages they offer, the prices they charge and seriously ask yourself what is the price you are willing to pay for your transformation in the professional, personal, relational field, concerning your well-being and harmony. Then consider the ingredient of experience and methodology and do not delay in selecting the right coach for you.
If you feel we can work well together and resonate, contact me for a coaching session.
I wish you good luck and I'm looking forward to talking to you!
