How to Pick and Choose a Phenomenal Coach

You’ve heard it a bazillion times: a coach will help you get the results you need, and at times even aid you in going farther. Coaches exist for performance training in all fields of professional sports, and your life is no different. A coach will assistyou to improve your unique skills, get organized, and keep you practicing the specific behaviors that lead to success. A coach will get you focused on the goals you’d like to accomplish, and by doing that, monumentally boost the probability of attaining your goals.

But are all coaches alike? Not a chance.

How do you distinguish the difference between a phenomenal coach and a mediocre one?

Here are 10 tips to look at when choosing a coach:

1. Does the coach resonate? Does she feel right to you? Can she relate to you, and do you feel understood by her? Do you like her? You should walk away from the initial conversation feeling comfortable and confident in her abilities. If you have some hesitation about her abilities as a coach, select someone else.

2. Does she ask questions to help identify what’s actually impeding your success or does she simply stick to plain issues like numbers and sales activity?

3. Does she have a coaching process or is she simply winging it?

4. Is journaling part of the process and does she have access to your journal? Journaling is essential for helping coaches identify your ideas and thinking patterns. Without a journal, coaches are functioning with only a limited source of information about you and are working at a major disadvantage.

5. Is she a naturally talented coach or is she following a scripted manual? Though a process is essential, coaching is actually a unique experience for each person. The coach should be able to intuitively pick up on, and recognize the differences between each client, and offer coaching that’s customized to the client’s individual needs.

6. Does she have experience? Does she know how to handle a broad range of clients and concerns?

7. Does she have references? Can you talk to others who’ve been through coaching with her? What do other people say?

8. What is her past performance? What results has she been able to help other clients achieve?

9. How reachable is she? Can you reach her in between calls?

10. Is she cool, motivating, dynamic, and engaging? You’ll be spending plenty of intimate time together; you need to make certain that you are working with someone that you enjoy being around.

Whether you are taking into consideration couples coaching, entrepreneurial coaching or mindset coaching, the answers to the above questions are essential to take into account when hiring a coach. The relationship between you and your coach can be wonderful once you make the right choice, and it can be one that lasts a lifetime. Just as you choose your business partners with care, take your time and be selective when choosing a coach. Just because you have spoken with one that ‘sounds good’, it may not mean that it’s an ideal fit for you. Make certain that you speak with a few coaches before making your decision. Ultimately, your gut will take the lead and tell you what is best for you.

About Kim Ades

Kim Ades, MBA, President of Frame of Mind Coaching and JournalEngine™ Software, is one of North America’s foremost experts on performance through thought management. By using her unique process of coaching through journaling, she works with clients to unveil and switch their thought patterns to ignite significant change and life transformation. Visit www.frameofmindcoaching.com to assess your frame of mind and sign up for your own free, secure, online journal.

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