How do I find a qualified coach? When looking for a coach, it’s important to find a true professional—to exercise due diligence to ensure the coach is appropriately trained and adheres to the highest ethical standards. Ask each candidate about their coaching credentials and professional organization memberships. Though not required to be a coach, an ICF Credential indicates a coach has met the highest standards of the profession through a rigorous, accredited training program, an established number of coaching hours, and assessment. An ICF Membership indicates a coach is committed to ongoing professional growth and the highest ethical standards.
It’s best to interview multiple candidates before selecting a coach, as this allows you to get to know them, compare styles, and find one that best suits your needs. Before the meeting, prepare questions to help you better understand the coach’s experience, areas of focus and approach. Referrals to prior coaching clients can provide insights to ensure the coach can help you reach the goals you have in mind.
1. Carefully consider the criteria that you both want and need in your coach.
2. Interview several coaches. You want to make sure that you share good rapport and that the coach will work with you in the way that will work best for you.
3. Know what a coach can and cannot do. Coaching is not therapy or counseling.