COACHING

I Found a Coach. Now What?

Here are some questions I encourage coachees to ask

Photo by Emily Morter on Unsplash

You can access this story for free here.

Introduction

Choosing a coach is a difficult thing to do. There are thousands to choose from, and many look credible from their website. Typically, the only way you’ll be able to decide whether someone is for you is through recommendation or through having a conversation. This guide helps you to ask the right questions once you make contact.

What questions should I ask before choosing a coach?

These questions will help you distinguish between professional coaches effectively, allowing you to understand how they structure their work and their coaching style. The questions are summarised below and expanded upon below:

1. What is a coach, and what do they do?
2. What are the benefits of coaching in your view?
3. How long have you been a coach?
4. What do you specialize in and why?
5. Do you have any clients that I can talk to?
6. What are your qualifications, and what did that involve?
7. Which coaching bodies are you accredited with?
8. What makes you different?
9. Who supervises your practice?
10. How would you describe your coaching style?
11. Do you work face-to-face or via the Internet?
12. How do you keep my information confidential?
13. Do you follow one model or adapt based on the problem you’re solving or the person you’re working with?
14. How many sessions would you recommend and why?
15. What packages do you offer?
16. What is your fee, and how is it structured?
17. What happens if I feel I no longer need coaching?
18. Do you offer a free taster session, and if not, why not?
19. How will I know if coaching is working?
20. What questions do you have for me?