Great tips on how to find a coach! I would also add how important it is to check credentials and hire a certified coach. Coaches can be transformational, but it’s also an industry that’s not regulated. So anyone can call themselves a coach. The International Coaching Federation is a resource to find accredited coaches who have done the work to be able to support their clients. My first coach was not certified and she was amazing … and then I worked with two more who were not, and it wasn’t great. Finally, there’s a distinction between a coach, a mentor, a consultant, an advocate. Kathy’s tips on clarifying what you want will help determine whether you need a coach or someone else.
You're right, coaching is unregulated, and from the feedback I've heard from other coaches and clients, certification itself is also not the best marker for finding someone who is a fit for you.
That said, if there are particular tools you're interested in leveraging, like Strengths Finders, Enneagram, Positive Intelligence, or a multitude of others, you'll want to screen coaches for their proficiency. In addition, associations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as their accredited teaching institutions, are great aggregators of lists of coaches.
Thanks, Michael! I'm so happy it resonated for you. And you're right, not only does each person have their own style and goals, it changes over time. So working with different people might be a great option for some leaders.
Great tips on how to find a coach! I would also add how important it is to check credentials and hire a certified coach. Coaches can be transformational, but it’s also an industry that’s not regulated. So anyone can call themselves a coach. The International Coaching Federation is a resource to find accredited coaches who have done the work to be able to support their clients. My first coach was not certified and she was amazing … and then I worked with two more who were not, and it wasn’t great. Finally, there’s a distinction between a coach, a mentor, a consultant, an advocate. Kathy’s tips on clarifying what you want will help determine whether you need a coach or someone else.
Thanks so much for adding this context, Laverne.
You're right, coaching is unregulated, and from the feedback I've heard from other coaches and clients, certification itself is also not the best marker for finding someone who is a fit for you.
That said, if there are particular tools you're interested in leveraging, like Strengths Finders, Enneagram, Positive Intelligence, or a multitude of others, you'll want to screen coaches for their proficiency. In addition, associations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), as well as their accredited teaching institutions, are great aggregators of lists of coaches.
Great guide Kathy. Each person has their own style and goals. Recognizing this helps both the client and the coach find the right fit.
Thanks, Michael! I'm so happy it resonated for you. And you're right, not only does each person have their own style and goals, it changes over time. So working with different people might be a great option for some leaders.