How to select an Executive/Leadership Coach who will give you great results.

I am often asked what a potential client should look for in a coach. Here is the nutshell version. You should have a conversation with your potential coach. In preparation for that conversation you may find out some valuable information by carefully reading their website. Be sure to consider the following:

1. Training and Certification: A background or success in any given industry does not necessarily endow a person with the skill set to function as an effective coach. Just as you would think carefully about entrusting your medical care to someone who was not certified as a specialist in their field, likewise you should give careful thought to the credentials of your leadership coach. A coach may be certified via a number of different pathways. I encourage you to ask the coach how he/she is certified, how they re-certify and what coaching organizations they belong to. This evidences commitment to continuing self-improvement in the field. Once you know the certifying body or process, you can research that certification method. You might also want to ask them how they stay sharp and improve their skills via courses or mentored coaching.
2. Experience: Ask the coach to tell you about some of their success stories. Ask them for specific examples of types of behavior they have helped their clients with. Ask them for references. Successful coaches have some clients (if not all) who will readily speak with a potential client about their experiences with their coach. Ask the coach about how many clients they have coached and the number of hours they have coached.
3. Process: Ask the potential coach about the process that they use to coach. They should have a reproducible, well-delineated process that has mile markers along the way, so you know where you are in your journey. While the process may differ from coach to coach, it is important that the coach follows a process and that the client understands it in as much detail as they are comfortable with. Ask what tools they use to assess you and your leadership behavior to tailor a coaching engagement that will be unique to your needs. Ask them about what metrics they use to measure your success. Also ask to see what code of ethics your coach embraces.
4. Relationship: This last parameter speaks to the fact that the relationship between client and coach is a highly personal and privileged one. The ability of the coach and the client to connect in a positive, trusting and up-beat fashion is absolutely imperative to the success of the relationship. Talk to several coaches and compare style, process and chemistry before you make a commitment. Ask the coach for a trial session to gauge “fit”. Most coaches are happy to oblige because this allows them similarly to assess if the coaching relationship will likely be successful.