How I came to work with a coach is how it happens for many people, IF they feel comfortable asking. Sharing with a friend, colleague or perhaps a boss that you would like some support around life or business decisions takes trust in the other person and guts on your part.
Eight years after my initial search, coaching has continued to grow as a profession and more and more people are at least familiar with the concept or have worked with a coach. Asking for a referral to a coach is easier but will it get you to the person you need and that can truly help you? Quite possibly, no.
Much like the financial planning profession in its early years, much misinformation exists around coaching. For the individual or business considering coaching, there are plenty of people who claim to be a coach.
The professional coaching business is self-regulated, and as such, anyone can print a business card and say they are a coach. So how do you know if the “coach” you are considering will be the right fit? How do you find a professional coach? Where and what do you look for? How important is experience? How about training and credentials? Should they have experience in your field? This is quickly becoming more work than it is worth because you know there is a fee to be paid. Surely you can just figure this out on your own.
There you are back at square one. Give me a bit of your time and I will help answer these questions and provide you resources to get the support you need. Let’s start with the most important question…what type of challenge are you trying to solve?
- I need to fix problems in my systems and processes.
- My staff need to be better at ____________ (sales, excel spreadsheets or industry developments)
- A physical or emotional trauma prevents me from functioning.
- My spouse and I are wrestling over how to best parent.
- My team is ________________ (becoming siloed, ineffective at communication, not supportive of each other or the organization)
- I can’t seem to ___________________ (exercise, eat right, be on time, be a supportive friend or spouse).
- I am stuck and not sure how to move forward.
This is not an exhaustive list of challenges you might be facing but they capture three different types of support you might need.
Challenge 1 and 2 represent issues that a consultant or trainer could address. Either will analyze the situation and recommend a specific course of action based on their expertise. As part of their role once hired, the trainer will deliver the training services. Many consultants provide recommendations including action steps but may or may not help the client implement what is recommended.
Challenge 3 and 4 are best suited for a counselor or therapist. When basic daily functions are limited by pain, trauma, emotional or physical issues an individual specifically trained in overcoming these issues is recommended. You might see a physical therapist, a licensed counselor, a psychologist or a marriage and family counselor. Issues like these must be resolved before you are in a place to move forward.
Challenges 5 through 7 can be addressed by a professional coach. The coach will help you define the objective for the work together, identify the current issues, and partner with you to develop a plan to reach the objective. The coach will also support you (and the team if applicable) in putting the plan in action. While a coach won’t do the work for you, they will be your support system for getting what you decide done! Look for a coach with experience in moving clients forward in situations similar to yours.
The International Coaching Federation (ICF), the most globally recognized credentialing organization for coaches provides additional resources on this topic in their Coaching FAQ’s.