2. Identify three or four likely life coaches by researching on your own and talking to relatives, friends, and colleagues about their experiences. A more extensive list will require a longer time to narrow. That time will be better spent on actually working on your goal. Consider:
Expertise. Is the coach well-versed with the particular area that you require coaching in. For example, career advancement or interpersonal communications.
Compatibility. Does he or she understand what exactly you are looking for? Does he or she appreciate its importance to you?
Availability. No matter how good, a coach is useless if he or she won’t be available for several months or you cannot reach him or her when needed.
Location and Accessibility. Where will the sessions take place? How far will you have to travel and whether the coach is willing to meet you where you are. Similarly, if you prefer telephone calls or e-mails to meeting in person, is he or she willing to holding your sessions on the phone, or via e-mail?
Fees. Is there a clear fee schedule? Will you be bound to a long-term contract? Are there any hidden charges? Does the coach offer discounts?
Compatibility. Does he or she understand what exactly you are looking for? Does he or she appreciate its importance to you?
Availability. No matter how good, a coach is useless if he or she won’t be available for several months or you cannot reach him or her when needed.
Location and Accessibility. Where will the sessions take place? How far will you have to travel and whether the coach is willing to meet you where you are. Similarly, if you prefer telephone calls or e-mails to meeting in person, is he or she willing to holding your sessions on the phone, or via e-mail?
Fees. Is there a clear fee schedule? Will you be bound to a long-term contract? Are there any hidden charges? Does the coach offer discounts?
3. Save time when separating the wheat from the chaff further by communicating with those on your list by phone or e-mail before meeting in person.
4. At the first meeting, get a sense for each one’s approach, how comfortable you feel with him or her, whether or not he or she understands the issue you wish to address, he or she his or her availability, and the fees.
A common pitfall is sizing up a potential coach for his or her “likability.” Instead, remember that the key is “compatibility.” Keep in mind that you are choosing a life coach to help you realize your vision, not to become your friend or life partner!
Above all, avoid those who make lofty promises and/or are always agreeable. Look beyond any jagged first impression and focus on the reasonableness of what the coach says and his or her experiences and insights.
Learn more about EAQC's life coaching and explore www.eaqc.com for more information about our workshops and training programs.
