One of the most frequent comments we hear from clients is, “I have never had a coach before. I don’t really know what to expect.” Professional coaching is a powerful tool for growth, but it exists in a world where it seems like anyone can call themselves a coach. This can make finding the right partner for your journey confusing and frustrating. So, how do you sift through the noise to find a professional who can truly help you unlock your potential?

It comes down to knowing what to look for, what to expect, and how to evaluate the fit.

What to Look For: Credentials & Experience

A credible coach has invested in their craft. Look for formal training from a reputable organization that has been accredited by the International Coaching Federation (ICF), which ensures the coach has met rigorous standards for training, ethics, and practice. Even better if the coach has, or is working toward, an ICF certification. Beyond certification and training, consider their niche and experience. Are they more of a “life coach” focusing on things like well-being, spirituality and relationships, or are they more like us, specializing in things like executive leadership, career transitions, or team dynamics? A great fit often comes with a coach who has had experiences similar to the specific challenges you want to tackle. 

What to Expect: A Partnership, Not a Prescription

Once you engage a coach, it is crucial to understand the nature of the relationship.

• Coaching IS: A confidential partnership focused on your agenda. It is a forward-looking process where a coach uses powerful questions to help you uncover your own insights, challenge your assumptions, and commit to actionable steps. Expect to be challenged, to think deeply, and to be held accountable for the goals you set.
• Coaching IS NOT: A quick fix, a therapy session to heal the past, or a consulting engagement where you are handed the answers. A coach is a guide and a thinking partner, and real progress requires your active participation and commitment.

How to Evaluate Fit: The Chemistry Check

Credentials and experience are vital, but the right fit is personal. Almost every professional coach offers a complimentary “discovery call” or consultation. Think of this as your interview. Use this time to ask questions and, more importantly, to notice how you feel.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel safe and comfortable being open with this person?
• Are they genuinely listening to me, or just waiting to talk?
• Do their questions make me think in new ways?
• Does their energy and style resonate with me?

Ultimately, trust your gut. The best coaching relationships are built on a foundation of trust and rapport. If after the discovery call or even the first coaching session you aren’t “feeling it,” don’t be afraid to move on to someone else.

Remember, finding the right coach is the first, most important step in charting your path forward.

Intrigued? Set up a free 30-minute discovery call with us to explore if our experiences and approach to coaching are a good fit for you.