When it comes to finding the best life coach for you, the options may seem overwhelming, especially with the increase of coaches during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many coaches may be great, it’s important to determine the right fit for you. With no instruction manual and limited experience in searching for coaches, it can be confusing. However, here are some key tips to help you in your search.
#1: The Importance of Mindfulness Experience
“Coaching mastery requires mindfulness” – The Journal of Coaching Psychology.
While you may not be specifically interested in mindfulness, you want a coach who values mindfulness in their life and work. This doesn’t mean they are TEACHING you mindfulness; it means they are WORKING with you in a mindful way.
Presence, which is a core coaching skill according to the International Coaching Federation, is improved with mindfulness. Deep listening, which is also a crucial coaching skill, is enhanced through mindfulness, as it allows the coach to not only listen to your words but also truly understand you as a person.
In addition, mindfulness helps coaches use words powerfully in a way that aligns with your unique personality. It enables coaches to “tune in” to what’s going on with you at a deeper level and use coaching skills more effectively.
These are just a few of the ways that mindfulness is an incredible ally for coaches.
In fact, I’m so passionate about it, that I created The Mindful Coach Method,
an 8-week class designed to help coaches and other professionals be more mindful and skillful in their work.
Insider Tip: You can search the directory for graduates of the Mindful Coach Method!
#2: The relationship rules
First and foremost, the relationship between you and the coach is crucial. Research in therapy has shown that the client/provider relationship matters as much, if not more, than the specific techniques or methods used. Although coaching is not therapy, this principle still applies. It means that if you feel good about a coach, regardless of their credentials, experience, or methods, you should seriously consider working with them. Authentic rapport is essential, and if you don’t feel a connection with your coach from the first session, it’s better to move on and not waste your time and money. There are plenty of great coaches out there, so don’t settle for average or subpar coaching.
#3: Good coaches should offer an introductory call or consultation.
Since everyone is different, one coach may not be the right fit for everyone. It’s difficult to determine this in advance, so many coaches offer a free “get acquainted” call or consultation to allow you to assess their style and approach. Coaches who don’t offer this may be well-established and confident in their abilities, or they may be relying on their resume to speak for itself. Look for coaches who are committed to achieving great results with their clients and are willing to offer an introductory call.
#4: A professional coaching agreement is essential.
It should include details such as how to contact the coach, how to reschedule sessions and billing arrangements. Importantly, it should also outline their privacy policy. Unlike doctors, therapists, or lawyers, coaching relationships are not legally protected, so it’s crucial to have a written agreement that ensures your personal details are treated as private. Request to review the coaching agreement in advance and carefully review their privacy policies. A lack of a professional coaching agreement or inadequate privacy measures can be a red flag.
#5: Consider the coach’s experience and reviews.
Longevity in the coaching business can be an indicator of a serious and experienced coach. Look for coaches who have been in practice for several years and have positive reviews from clients. This can provide some assurance of their professionalism and effectiveness. That said, keep an open mind.
#6: Credentials: Do They Matter?
Coaching is an unregulated practice, which means anyone can call themselves a coach and start a coaching business without any formal training or credentials. However, there are coaching certification organizations that provide credentials to coaches who meet certain requirements. While these credentials can provide some assurance of a coach’s capabilities, it’s important to note that these certifications are also unregulated and can vary greatly in their requirements.
One of the most well-known credentialing organizations for coaches is the International Coaches Federation (of which I am a member). They offer three levels of certification: Associate Certified Coach (level 1), Professional Certified Coach (level 2), and Master Certified Coach (level 3).
To obtain these certifications, coaches must complete many hours of training, have their coaching reviewed by others, accumulate 100 or more coaching hours, be mentored and pass an exam.
In contrast, some online courses on platforms like Udemy may issue a certificate after just a few hours of video instruction. Not all certifications are woth much.
#6: Does the Coach’s, Expertise Matter?
Coaches often specialize in specific areas, such as working with parents of at-risk kids, burned-out healthcare workers, or those involved in mediation services, in order to reach their target audience. While finding a coach who specializes in your specific area of interest can be useful, it’s more important to focus on the quality of the relationship with the coach rather than their specific expertise. For example, I have a background in business and would be a good fit for many professionals and entrepreneurs despite not explicitly stating that I specialize in a particular area. My diverse background, including experience as a CTO of a startup, business owner, public speaker, and educator, makes it challenging to communicate my expertise in just one area. So if you find a coach who feels great to work with but doesn’t explicitly specialize in your specific area, don’t hesitate to give them a try and see how it goes.
#7: Consider New or Student Coaches
While longevity and certifications can be helpful in selecting a coach, there are many talented new coaches and coaches in training. Don’t hesitate to connect with new or student coaches who you feel good about. Remember, the quality of the relationship with the coach is more important than anything else.
If you have questions, feel free to reach out to me even if you’re not interested in my work. I like to help and will try to find you a good fit if I can.
Brett Hill
brett@themindfulcoach.com
Coach and Coach Trainer
Founder The Mindful Coach Association
Certified Mindful, Somatic, and Wellness Coach
Hakomi Somatic Coaching Certificate
