Welcome back part 2 of my ‘Spring clean your career’ mini guide. Last week I shared some questions to ask yourself if you’re considering 1:1 coaching (click here if you missed it and want to have a read). If you have decided that it’s right for you, then this week I’ve got some suggestions for choosing the perfect career coach:
1. Choose an accredited coach
I would highly recommend working with someone who is accredited by a recognised coaching body such as the ICF (International Coaching Federation), the AC (Association for Coaching), or EMCC (European Mentoring and Coaching Council). The coaching industry is currently unregulated so it’s up to the individual coach to make sure they have adequate training and that they are accredited. If a coach is accredited then they will have to abide by that coaching body’s code of conduct and code of ethics, and there will be legal processes in place in case you ever feel the need to make a complaint. Of course I hope that never happens and that you have an excellent experience with your coach, but knowing that they are accredited means there is some oversight built in and it can give you extra peace of mind.
2. Can they help you achieve the results you are looking for?
Have a read through their case studies and testimonials. Do you recognise yourself in those testimonials? Do they have lots of experience working with clients in a similar situation to yours? Did you receive a word of mouth recommendation for them from someone you trust? Of course it’s important to say that a coach isn’t there do the work for you or provide a ‘magic’ solution, but knowing that they have a track record in helping others in a similar situation to yours can be very useful when making a choice about who to work with.
3. Do you feel a personal connection with them?
You want to pick a coach who ‘gets’ you. Can you see yourself spending time with them? You will be working together (whether it’s virtually or online) for potentially several sessions over a period of weeks or months. So do their values match yours? Do they have an ethos and a message that you resonate with? Try following them online, signing up to their newsletter, and reading their blog posts to get a feel for what they’re like and what they stand for. Most coaches will also offer a free initial ‘Getting to know you’ call which will help you to decide.
4. Don’t just choose a ‘yes’ coach
Change can be a difficult and painful process sometimes. So if you are truly ready for change in your life and willing to do what it takes, then you want to work with a coach who will gently challenge you, keep you accountable and cheer you on. If you encounter something difficult which you’ve always tried to avoid in the past, then your ideal coach will be there to work through it with you and help you overcome it once and for all. Of course if there is a blurring of lines between coaching and counselling, then they will know to signpost you to a mental health professional if they feel it’s more appropriate.
So there you have it. Has this two part mini guide been useful? I’d love to know if it has helped you make a decision about whether to go for coaching. And of course if you feel that after all these considerations, that I might be a good fit as YOUR career coach, then feel free to book a 15min, no obligation call to discuss your career situation further.
