
Choosing the right coach can make all the difference in your personal and professional growth. Here are my top 6 tips, based on evidence and my experience in choosing my own coaches, to help you find the right fit for your needs:
Understand Your Goals: Before seeking out a coach, take the time to reflect on what you’d like to work on within a coaching engagement. Are you focused on career development, leadership, personal growth, or something else? Clarifying your objectives will help you find a coach who specialises in the areas you want to grow.
Look for Relevant Expertise: Ensure the coach has experience in the area you're seeking support in. For example, if you're aiming to advance your leadership skills, look for a coach with experience in leadership development and a solid track record of helping leaders thrive.
Do they have psychological knowledge? This has always been a non-negotiable for me when I’ve invested in coaching (shoutout to Ruth Kudzi!). Coaches with psychological knowledge are more effective in guiding clients through complex personal and professional challenges, as it helps them understand emotional and cognitive barriers to success (Grant, 2003). Psychological expertise, including cognitive-behavioural and positive psychology approaches, is critical for fostering self-awareness, emotional resilience, and long-term growth in coaching relationships (Cox et al., 2018; Bachkirova, 2011). Studies indicate that understanding clients' mental health and motivation enables coaches to tailor interventions, improving coaching outcomes (De Haan et al., 2010; Passmore, 2010).
Check Credentials and Quality controls: A qualified coach should have formal training and certifications / credentials from reputable coaching organisations, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or similar bodies. Additionally, check their experience—do they have a history of working with clients similar to you? And… do they undertake regular supervision to reflect on and continuously improve their coaching? (thank you Dr Marie Stopforth for your supervision support!)
Trust is vital for a successful coaching relationship (Cox, Bachkirova, and Clutterbuck, 2014) and allows clients to feel safe enough to challenge their own assumptions and beliefs, which is crucial for meaningful growth. It’s important to feel comfortable sharing your thoughts and challenges with your coach, so an introductory call is essential to gauge their communication style and approach
Seek Testimonials and Reviews: Look for feedback from other clients who have worked with the coach. Positive testimonials can give you confidence in their ability to deliver results. Personal referrals can also be a valuable resource in making your decision.
Finding the right coach is about building a partnership that supports your growth. Take your time, ask the right questions, and trust your instincts. And click here if you’d like to book an introductory call to see if I’m the right coach for you.