I am a big fan of coaching, which is not surprising given my profession.

But my passion for coaching is not confined to providing it to others. I also recognise the huge value it has for me, which is why I am on a search for a new coach.

In the last couple of weeks, my head has filled up with fresh ideas of how to develop my business, and I am also thinking about training for more qualifications.

There are so many ideas and options. I am not sure where or what to focus on first. I need to find a bit of clarity so I can map the way forward without feeling overwhelmed. I know working with a coach will help me to structure my thoughts in a way that will move me forward quicker than working alone.

As I begin this search, I have been reflecting on my previous experiences of coaching. Some coaches I have worked with have been amazing and a couple were not perfect for me. I have realised that in order to find the ideal coach, I needed to ask myself and the prospective coach the right questions at the start.

If you are considering coaching, these might help you to find the right person for you.

#1 Think about your goals

Before you start your search, take some time to think about what you want to achieve.

Is there a particular area you want to focus on?
What would successful coaching look like to you?
Where would you like to be in 3, 6, or 12 months?
What would you like to be doing differently?
What challenges would you have overcome to get there?

Often we know what we don’t want but are less clear on what we do want.

It’s important to spend a bit of time thinking about this so you can match your needs with a coach who has experience in those areas.

#2 Research your options

Search for coaches in your local area – use google and look at the reviews.
Ask friends, colleagues and your business networks for recommendations.
Check out any contenders on Linkedin. Look at their profile and their activity. Are you their ideal client? Does their content resonate with you? Do they share similar values?
Have a look at some coaching directories.

#3 Book some free consultations

Once you have narrowed down your search to a few coaches - book a free consultation with them.

All coaches should offer this as it’s an opportunity for you both to see if you are a good fit. Research shows that rapport is the most impactful element in the coaching relationship. Regardless of qualifications, if you don’t gel, feel safe or connect with your coach, it’s unlikely you will be coachable. You will resist and detach. It has to feel right!

After your call, ask yourself:

Did I feel understood?
Did they listen?
Did they inspire confidence and optimism?
Do I think this person could challenge me and take me out of my comfort zone in a way that feels safe?
Do I think I could trust them with my honesty and truth?

Coaching is an emotional process and a good coach will make you feel safe and secure to explore areas that may be holding you back. How do they do that? By being professional, compassionate and non-judgemental.

#4 Ask Questions about their training

What coaching qualifications do they have? Are they a member of any Professional Associations?

Anyone can call themselves a coach, but have they invested in learning and training? Was it a weekend training course or something more substantial? Are they members of any professional coaching associations? For example, I studied Business Coaching and Mentoring at UWE. It was a year-long qualification that is accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM). I am also a member of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).

The International Coaching Federation is also a very reputable association and like the EMCC they look to uphold professional standards for coaching.

#5 Find out who their ideal clients are. What are the common issues they work with?

You want to know if they work with people like you and have had success with people facing similar challenges. This will help you feel confident that you are in safe and experienced hands.

#6 Ask why they became a coach?

This question allows you to understand their journey, their values, and what motivates them. This is important for alignment and rapport building. Does their answer turn you off, or does it make you want to work with them?

I became a coach because whilst I had so many highs in my corporate career, I also had times of doubt, anxiety and stress. These moments had a big impact on me at work and also at home. I left my job and retrained with the purpose of helping people to move through tough times with compassion and support.

Helping people to realise they are not alone in their struggles, and they don’t have to be stuck is powerful and rewarding. By giving clients the time to find clarity, widen their perspective and build confidence, options open up and change becomes possible. My joy comes from supporting people so they can improve how they feel about work and themselves.

#7 What is their coaching style?

Coaching style refers to their approach to coaching and how they coach. Once you know what you are looking for, make sure the coach’s style aligns with your needs.

I have a collaborative coaching style which means I help clients through a process of enquiry, learning and action. My aim is to help them achieve their goals in partnership. I bring my skills of listening, questioning and reflection to support my clients to discover for themselves the areas of growth and development that will impact them most, and I support them as they move towards their desired outcome.

At times I straddle the mentor role when needed, and will use the knowledge and experience I have gained from my personal development, coaching training as well as my corporate career. You can’t coach knowledge - only insights and awareness. If my clients don’t know something or I have some ideas, I will share them if I think it will help them to move forward quicker.

#8 Discover if they prioritise their own self-development?

The most effective coaches invest time and effort into their own personal and professional development as they recognise learning as a lifelong skill. Essentially, you are paying for all the time and knowledge they have invested so they can help you fast track your development in a focused and effective way.

I believe an effective coach will tend to their own issues so they don’t bring them into the room.

I have a therapist, a supervision group, and I use coaches. Without them, I wouldn’t know my blind spots and they help me understand myself better, which enables me to be the best coach I can possibly be.

#9 What’s the process?

You want to know the nuts and bolts of how it will work. So try and find out:

How many sessions will you need?
How often will the sessions be?
How long are the sessions?
Will your coach write up notes after? Or should you?
Will there be homework or recommend reading in between sessions?
What will it cost?
If you are paying for a program, what happens if you decide it’s not working?
Do they have a contract? Can you review it?

There is a lot of noise in the world and work for most of us has become more challenging. Whether you want to get your mojo back, move through fear and anxiety, manage stress or create a coherent plan for the future, coaching can definitely help.

I hope these tips help. Remember, choosing a coach is a very personal choice. Just because a colleague or friend got value from a particular coach, it doesn’t mean you will. Look for someone who you click with, inspires confidence and will mean your needs.

AND - when it comes down to it - change ONLY happens if you are open to being coached and take actions from the coaching process.

A coach can hold you accountable, but the responsibility then is all yours.

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A Coach's Guide to Selecting a Coach - Top Tips & Powerful Questions