How Do You Choose the Right Executive Coach for You?
You may be interested in starting coaching but aren’t quite sure how to find the best one for you. Here are some tips on what you should do and look for when preparing to start working with an executive coach.
The right coach can bring out the best leader in you — so doing your research is important and finding someone you really can bloom with is critical.
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Transcript
Executive Coaching is about self-reflection
It starts by nailing down your objective and having an idea as to what you want to accomplish with your coach (I can help you flesh this out too). The second aspect that you can think of is what kind of background your coach will have to bring with them. It is important to consider:
- Do you want somebody who understands your issues?
- Do you want somebody very direct or not?
How to find an executive coach
I would say the best way is through recommendations. More people than not around you would have had a coach or would have heard about a coach. Sometimes your HR departments may have a list. Go around, fish for names and ask about your colleagues’, peers’ or your friends’ experience. I highly recommend word of mouth, this is a profession in which personal care and the personal connection are very important and therefore recommendations are very welcome.
Chemistry is key in executive coaching
How do you evaluate if there is bad chemistry or not? It’s about asking questions. That’s the first step in this approach. Ask questions like:
- How does the coach operate?
- What kind of homework do they ask you to do?
- How does the coach structure the sessions?
- How long are the sessions?
- Does the the coach have some assistants?
- Is the coach very interested in specific techniques?
Try to understand who they are. It’s very important that you can have a safe space to operate in and that you will get the personal growth that you’re entitled to have. Your coach should be a person both caring and challenging.
Trust your instinct
At some point you got to choose. You have gathered all your information and you’ve got to trust your instincts. You can have a little rational spreadsheet with a few ticket items that matches exactly what you want. And you also want to trust your instincts. Start trusting that your body and your soul and your heart know what’s good for you.
With that said, I wish you to find the coach that fits you. And if you think it’s me, of course please feel free to contact me. I’m here for you. And if you just want to have a conversation about how to improve your way of looking for a coach, I would be more than happy to support you in that quest as well.
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