What are the most effective ways to find a coach?

I was approached recently by a potential client (spoiler alert!), they eventually signed, who told me that the reason they wanted me as a coach was due to three important factors for her, my own professional experience, which she found inspiring, my project management experience, my consulting experience and ofcourse being trained on a recognized standard such as ICF. By definition a client will look for a coach because they don't know, but they do know what they need from the coach and the kind of coach they need.

Begin with the end in mind. The pivotal question to ask yourself is: What are your desired outcomes from your coaching sessions? Avoid the temptation to engage a coach haphazardly, as acquiring a proficient coach and participating in impactful sessions may not necessarily translate to tangible achievements. For example, if you are embarking on a startup journey, it is prudent to seek guidance from someone who has navigated a similar path and emerged successfully. However, experience alone should not be the sole criterion; consider factors such as their coaching approach and session dynamics. Gathering testimonials can provide valuable insights into their effectiveness in helping others achieve their goals.

Who do you consider your role model? Chances are, there is an effective coach who helped them reach that level of success. Reach out to your role model and their team, and ask for a recommendation. This way, you'll achieve two goals at once – get on the radar of your role model and learn about a useful resource.

In my opinion, the most important thing in having a good coach is the connection. The majority of the coaching process develops in the communication between the coach and the client. My approach is to study the coach’s content, if it's available and then I book a discovery call and see how comfortable I am to work with them.

Do you need help finding a career coach to guide you toward success? I'd like to help you by suggesting the top three ways to find a career coach. You can achieve your career goals and unlock your potential with the right coach. Maximize your potential by finding the perfect career coach for you. Learn the top three ways to find a coach and take the first step toward achieving your professional goals. • Ask other people about their experiences with career coaching and get names. • Interview the career coach for chemistry. • Ask about results and what success is to them.

I would look at this two ways - 1) you have defined your objective and looking for a solution 2) you have no idea where to start, but you know you have a problem. What I have found is that even if you "defined a clear idea," a good coach will bring to life a new vision you didn't know existed. A good coach will uncover ideas and solutions you had no idea existed. && then give you the path to execute. Only then will you find true fulfillment.

Focusing on "who you will become" rather than just "what you will get" in coaching shifts the emphasis from tangible outcomes to personal growth and transformation. This holistic view encourages deeper, transformational goals, extending beyond mere skill acquisition to encompass qualities like resilience, self-awareness, and emotional intelligence. Such a perspective guides the selection of a coach suited for facilitating profound personal development, ensuring sustainable change that transcends specific achievements.

Leverage professional networks, use personal referrals, exploit online platforms for coaches, and check LInkedin. Vet credentials, evaluate experience, assess coaching style. Try a session, discuss goals, set expectations and terms. Happy hunting!

I agree. If you are searching for a coach, it is definitely important for you to define your objective; what exactly are you needing help and support with. So many aspects of work and life to consider any various coaching niches. In addition, although many coaches could help/support someone with any topic so to speak, it is just as important for a coach to define their niche/speciality area that they want to coach in. In doing so, they put their best foot forward which in turn helps their clients in a more impactful way on their journey.

When defining your objectives for coaching, reflect on your professional journey. What challenges have you faced? Where have you excelled? Considering your unique experiences, identify areas you want to develop. Are you seeking industry-specific guidance, skill enhancement, or leadership growth? Y our personal and professional background will guide you in choosing a coach who aligns with your specific aspirations and complements your style, ensuring a productive and personalized coaching experience.

Researching potential coaches involves more than just looking at credentials or testimonials. Dive into their philosophy, methodology, values, and personality. Explore their online presence - websites, portfolios, social media, and published content. Watch their videos, read their articles, and listen to interviews to get a deeper understanding. This comprehensive approach will help you find a coach whose approach resonates with your personal and professional needs, ensuring a more fruitful coaching relationship.

In today’s AI-driven world, finding the right coach goes beyond algorithms and data—it’s about connecting with someone who understands the heart, soul, and mindset of your unique journey. Dive into their digital presence, absorb their words, and feel their energy. It’s crucial to find a mentor who resonates with you deeply, someone who sees beyond numbers to the essence of who you are. This connection is key in a landscape where technology can overlook the human element. Choose a coach who brings warmth and understanding to your path, blending the wisdom of the human spirit with the advancements of the digital age.

You can do research for days, but at the end of the day you need to ask yourself one question: "What does my gut say?" Credentials and testimonials are important for credibility. But, coaching is a personal relationship. And there's no formula for researching the "relationship" part. The only way to know is to meet face-to-face (virtually or IRL), ask your questions and trust your gut.

É importante conhecer as melhores formações em nível global e, também, checar as instituições que acreditam/validam o trabalho dos coaches.

The most valuable form of research is asking people in your network for a referral to a coach they've hired and gotten the desired results from. It's likely that more people in your network have hired coaches than you realize. Once you've gathered referrals, you can set up calls with each to see which you resonate with the most and make your decision from there. A few trusted places to ask for a referral to a coach: ✅ Co-Workers ✅ Your Leaders ✅ Family ✅ Friends ✅ Social Media Followers ✅ LinkedIn network ✅ Networking groups ✅ Facebook groups (when you're already a member) Don't be afraid to ask! You never know where your perfect coach might come from, and your network is the best place to start.

When doing your research for a coach keep in mind that degrees, certifications, credentials mean nothing. There a lot of people with a lot of letters behind their names that do not possess the ability to help people create transformation and results in their lives. So, you really want to get to know if how they communicate, guide, and mentor speaks to you. Watching any available video content they have created is a GREAT way to start. Also, reading any posts that they've written. Do they really seem to understand your unique challenge? Do you feel like "he/she's speaking to ME!" Word of mouth references are great too. Then you want to understand how do they deliver their coaching. Is it in a large group or 1:1? Is it online or in-person?

Doing your research is definitely an important step in the process when sourcing out the right coach for yourself. As noted, there are many methods to do so, and doing your homework before making a decision is always best practice. In doing so, the client will feel more at ease from the onset of the coaching agreement. In addition, if a client is still unsure, another option is to find three coaches that they believe they will resonate with (similar to that of getting a quote; always best practice to get three quotes). After which the client can then start making the discovery calls with each coach and then make a final decision for the coaching contract with whom he/she chooses to proceed with.

- Identify suitable coaches from social media, coaching platforms (Icf or other), - research these people (their education, references, shares, etc.) - Make sure of the person by doing a preliminary interview

One reliable approach is to speak with colleagues about their coaching experiences. - How has the coaching experience been for them? - What did they look for during their coach selection process? - Were they sure they had found a fit in the first meeting? - Would they recommend their coach or coaches network as a source?

There are several ways to find a coach that will meet your needs. First, talk to your network as odds are there is someone you know that has had a coaching experience where they may be able to refer you to someone they believe can support your success. Secondly, the International Coaching Federation have a find a coach tool on their website where you can locate someone through their filters that will meet the needs of what you are looking for in a coach. Lastly, contact your local ICF chapter Board of Directors as they should have a pulse on the coaches in the area that could meet your needs when looking for a thought partner to assist you in enhancing your skills through coaching.

Ask about their coaching style, success measurement methods, qualifications, confidentiality and ethical practices, feedback handling, availability, and session structure. Share your own goals, challenges, and preferences to help them understand your needs. Also, inquire about their rates and payment terms. This conversation is crucial for assessing compatibility and setting clear expectations for a potential coaching relationship.

As someone who has been a coachee before, this step is very crucial to identify whether or not the coach and I connect on a human level and kind of click. That is a key to a successful coaching journey in my opinion. Additionally, it is also good to find out what type of coaching is used by your coach and perhaps hear a few examples.

- Get to know your coach by interviewing him/her, - Ask all the questions you can think of (education, coaching training, work experience, whether he/she has been coached before, which issues he/she has been coached on and how he/she solved them, which issues he/she coaches more... etc.)

Always send a private message or DM on social media to the coach you are interested in working with. This is a great way to get to know them and their company. Are you speaking with them or a team member? Are they asking you qualifying questions to get to know you, your goals, and challenges? Or does it feel like a script? Ask for details on how the coaching program is delivered. Ask about the investment range to work with them. A high 4-figure to 5-figure investment is normal pricing for a coach in the personal development space. When you work with the right coach you will experience a transformation that completely changes the trajectory of your life for the better and thus the ROI on your investment continues over your lifetime.

When considering hiring a career coach, it's important to ask questions that will help you assess their qualifications, approach, and compatibility with your needs. Potential clarifying questions: Can you share details about your professional background and experience as a career coach? What certifications or credentials do you hold in career coaching? What is your specific area of expertise in career coaching? Can you outline your coaching methodology and approach? How do you tailor your coaching to the individual needs of clients? How do you assess a client's strengths, skills, and career goals? What is your fee structure, and what services are included? Are there any additional costs or fees associated with the coaching services?

This is the most crucial step. You always want to have an in-person or video-call discussion with your coach first to see if you "connect" with him/her. Someone may have all the credentials and testimonials you are looking for but yet for whatever reason - even chemistry - you two may not "click".

Scheduling a trial session is a great way to gauge if a coach is the right fit. This introductory session lets you experience their coaching style and discuss your goals and concerns. It's an opportunity to see if you feel comfortable and confident with the coach, ensuring that you're ready to commit to a coaching relationship. This step is essential in determining the compatibility and potential effectiveness of the coaching engagement.

- You can request a short demo session, - You can understand both your coach and the service you will receive, - Not all coaches may do this or charge a fee.

Attend a free or low-cost training/masterclass, webinar, challenge, or event that the coach is offering to get a feel for what working with them will be like. If there is a VIP option or opportunity to get more face-time with the coach, do it. This will give you an even greater opportunity to experience their coaching first hand without any commitment or expectations. After spending time learning from them and getting to know their methods and philosophies, you will then have the confidence and trust in yourself to know that you have chosen the right coach for you and are making the right decision.

Chemistry sessions are fundamental to decide if this is the right coach for you. Before setting up your session I recommend to research your coach and ensure they are trained, certified and experienced, it makes a huge difference in the experience and outcomes you will receive. Ahead of the session try disconnecting your phone and laptop and take a moment to reflect on what matters most to you, on your goals and on what you want to discuss with your coach. The more clarity you have in mind, the better your session will be. One fundamental rule is to find a coach who provides you with a safe, judgment free, space for deeper exploration. When it's right, you will know.

It is always great to align with the coach's method and style, BUT in the end it all comes down to chemistry. If you don’t click well with your coach, trust and progress will be difficult to achieve. Most coaches offer a trial session, because it is also important for them to feel a connection in order to really support their clients. So when you have your introductory call, listen to your gut. Do you feel safe, heard and empowered? Or do you feel pressured, hesitant and uncomfortable. Choose a coach and coaching environment that makes you excited. This will help you reach your goals more effortlessly.

By having a conversation with a potential coach, you can get a sense of their style, approach, and personality, and determine if they are a good fit for you. You can also use the trial session to discuss your goals and objectives and get a sense of how the coach might support you in achieving them. A trial session is for you to assess the fit between you and the coach. Consider factors like communication style, personality, and approach, this can help you determine if the coach is someone you feel comfortable with, and who you believe can support you in achieving your goals. Remember is not just about the right credentials; it's about finding someone who is the right fit for you.

While trial sessions can be good, there are certain things to keep in mind that might make them less suitable for evaluating a career coach. Trial sessions typically have a limited time frame, and this may not be sufficient to fully see the coach's style, understand their methodologies, or address complex issues. Developing a trusting coaching relationship often takes more than a 1 session. Clients may not feel comfortable opening up & sharing personal or challenges during a trial. Trial sessions may focus on surface issues rather than delving into deeper, complex aspects of career development. Clients might have unrealistic expectations for immediate results. Limited time for goal setting, action planning, and follow-up discussions.

The best way to know if you will like the Coach, after you selected the coach based on their credentials, is to considered if they (Coach and Coachee) will feel that the interaction will be constructive and they will have harmony to work togheter. Coaching program is also based in a co-create relationship.

Absolutely the single most important step. You need to feel if the Coach is able to offer you a space that you feel psychological safety. Without that, you wont reach enough depth to have profound progress. Be aware: Those sessions are (usually) not meant to be coaching sessions, as the coaching can only start, after you two agreed to work together, but it can help you understand if you are on the same vibration and if the coaches approach and specialty matches your needs.

Find somebody who has been where you want to go. That doesn't automatically make them a good coach, but it's a start. The next evaluation would be what kind of questions they ask. The best coaches ask the best questions and let you come to your own answer.

Reflect on whether the coach met your expectations, provided insights, and respected your boundaries. Consider how you felt during the session and whether the coach's feedback resonated with you. If satisfied, discuss further details like session frequency, goals, and contractual terms with the coach. This thorough evaluation ensures you choose a coach who aligns well with your objectives and style, enhancing the likelihood of a beneficial coaching relationship.

It's important to evaluate the coach's professional experience. Are they a subject matter expert in what you want to do, or have they gotten results for those that "look like me"? You should ask about outcomes from other clients, maybe ask to talk to one of their past clients and their experience. Taking those steps in your evaluation is crucial.

After the service you receive, - how your coach communicates with you, - how much it prioritizes you, - how much it gives you a chance to speak and express yourself, - how much you've solved, - assess how long you want to work with this coach.

The beauty of coaching is that every coach is different. And every client is different. Some are extremely passive and use active listening, paraphrasing and questions as their main type of tool. Others are operating with observations, advice and even provocation at times. Our gut can often help to access our instinct, listen, and then take a decision that feels right. You can see this as a first coaching intervention - since one of the goals of coaching is to bring you closer to your universal trust and make decisions with more ease - trusting in your gut (again).

I agree with Natalie. I would add that you might consider when you need a coach with specific training or experience with clients like you. For example, a neurodivergent client may find fit more readily with a neurodiversity coach than with a coach without knowledge about neurodiversity.

When considering other aspects of finding a coach, think about the long-term implications of the coaching relationship. Reflect on how this coach can aid in achieving not just immediate goals, but also contribute to your longer-term professional development. Consider the coach's network and whether they can open doors to new opportunities. Additionally, evaluate how the coach's guidance aligns with your evolving career aspirations and personal growth objectives. These broader considerations can help ensure you choose a coach who can support your ongoing development journey.

Finding the 'right' coach for you at this time and in this context is critical to your development and being able to benefit from coaching. I'd recommend a few actions to keep in mind: 1) Don't worry if you meet with a coach and they aren't the right fit for you at this time. 2) Ask colleagues, mentors, and other trusted professionals for recommendations and referrals for coaches. 3) Ask your therapist for a coach recommendation. Many therapists also refer their clients to coaches. The two types of support are distinct. Therapy and coaching are a powerhouse of support. 4) Check out networks of professional coaches. The International Coaching Federation (ICF) credentials coaches and lists members.

Professional Networks: Tap into your professional network to seek recommendations for coaches. Colleagues, mentors, or industry contacts may have valuable suggestions. Online Platforms: Explore coaching platforms and websites dedicated to connecting coaches with clients. Examples include the International Coach Federation (ICF) directory or platforms like LinkedIn. Industry Associations: Check industry-specific associations or organizations that may have directories of qualified coaches relevant to your field or needs. Referrals: Ask friends, family, or colleagues if they have worked with a coach before. Social Media: oining professional groups or forums related to coaching or your industry can be a valuable resource.

Reach out to your professional network. Seek recommendations from colleagues, friends, or industry peers who have benefited from coaching. Personal referrals often lead to great matches. Explore coaching platforms and websites. Many professionals offer their services online, providing a diverse range of expertise. Platforms like LinkedIn can be excellent resources. Remember, the right coach can be a transformative force in your journey. Take the time to research, ask questions, and find someone whose approach resonates with you.

- Research the coach you will work with well, - Review his/her resume thoroughly, - Read what they write and draw, - Look at the multiplicity and diversity of their references and the credibility of the references.

A coach could be found by asking friends or colleagues for referrals or Go online via sites such as LinkedIn, coaching directories and specialist websites. Read the reviews and testimonials to evaluate the coach’s success. Avoid ambiguity about your objectives and requirements, while opting for a coach who is an expert in the fields that you want to develop. It is advisable to arrange a short introductory call where you may outline your needs and evaluate the coach's style.

A coach is not going to save you. They are a guide to help you break through mindset blocks or patterns that are keeping you from reaching your goals. YOU must take radical responsibility and personal accountability for how you show up in the program. If you are a beginner in a certain area, make sure the program is designed to meet you where you are at; and vice versa if you are experienced. Be wary of programs that are vague and not specific about who they serve and the LEVEL those individuals need to be at as their starting point, in order to get the best results from the program. Be open and willing to implement and try your coaches suggestions to expand your perspective. Embrace getting outside of your comfort zone.

Top 10 effective ways to find a coach: 1) Professional Networks 2) Industry Associations 3) Online Platforms 4) Referrals 5) Career Centers 6) Professional Certifications 7) Social Media and LinkedIn 8) Free Consultations 9) Conferences and Events 10) Online Reviews

Quelques recommandations que je propose à mes clients Prospecter, comparer et tester ! Une fois l'objectif premier défini il faut chercher un coach qui vous parle. La plupart des coachs proposent un premier échange de 30 minutes gratuit. Cela permet de vérifier si le profil correspond, si la spécialisation est en adéquation et si le feeling passe. Vérifier aussi si le coach travaille dans le cadre déontologique du coaching professionnel et s'il est supervisé. Ensuite rien ne vous empêche de tester une séance ( même payante ) pour voir si cela fonctionne pour vous !!! Et de fait pour votre équipe si vous le choisissez pour cela !