Help Me Find the Right Coach: 3 Things You Should Consider

As learning consultants, we have many superpowers. One, in particular, is the ability to be a coach. While there are many different types of coaches, they all share the ability to serve as a mirror.

This unique trait helps individuals and organizations tap into the vitality necessary to challenge any circumstance and build strategic roadmaps. When successful, this can result in boundless organizational growth and success.

Over the past few years, those coaching superpowers have been tested. Consultants have had to turn the mirror on themselves, forcing many to innovate, quickly pivot, and reevaluate services to adapt to the new normal.

So, what happens when you need help?

3 Signs You Need a Coach

Typically, coaches are so focused on being client-focused service providers that they often forget to polish their own mirrors.

In other words, seeking advice or mentoring could help you maintain those special skills so you can continue to show up for the individuals and organizations who need you the most.

Airlines ask passengers to put on their own masks before helping someone else. Similarly, as a consultant, it’s critical to recharge your own powers first. You must periodically refocus, realign, and reset your skills and strengths.

With that in mind, here are three situations that signal the need for a coach:

#1 Are you experiencing Imposter Syndrome?

Imposter syndrome is defined as an internal experience of believing you are not as competent as others perceive you to be; a fraud. The term is usually narrowly applied to intelligence and achievement.

It’s the experience of feeling like a phony in some area of your life, despite any success you may have accomplished.

#2 Has your efficiency and productivity reduced or plateaued?

As a professional consultant, an essential skill is being able to quickly observe, assess and process information at an elevated level for our clients.

Think about how often we ask clients the golden question, “What happens to you, the team, or the organization if we ignore this problem?” Turn the coaching mirror on yourself and ask the same question.

Consider the consequences if you don’t invest in your own strategies for long-term growth and well-being.

#3 Are you facing a major transition?

If the pandemic has taught us anything, life is a series of ongoing challenges.

In times of uncertainty, people need the vitality to challenge circumstances, the wisdom to chart a new or revised success map, and abundant energy to ceaselessly take action.

3 Considerations to Help You Select the Right Coach

Once you have determined you need a coach, the next step is to find one.

However, it is not quite that simple. The most important thing is to select the right person to help you.

So, here are three things you should consider before hiring someone:

#1 Determine the Type of Coach You Need

Tony Robbins defines a good coach as someone “Who motivates you through peaks and valleys of entrepreneurship, pushes your limits, and helps noticeably grow your business.” Today, he still uses individual coaching to drive continued growth.

There are three main categories or types of coaches, career, accountability, and life. Consider the definition of each and decide if you need one specific type or maybe you need all three in one.

#2 Ensure Connection and Alignment with Your Professional Goals

Whoever you choose should be able to connect or relate to you and deliver a personalized experience. This does not mean you should pick someone just like you, but just the opposite.

You deserve a tailored approach that aligns with your values and intrinsic/extrinsic motivators, not someone who will only tell you what you want to hear.

You want a coach that meets you where you are through:

• Active listening
• Thoughtful analysis
• Providing a strategic stretch plan

#3 Evaluate Their Superpowers

Another key consideration when hiring a coach is understanding their particular areas of strength. Specifically, you should evaluate their expertise as a results-driven guru, an accountability partner, and a mentor.

According to a study by the American Society of Training & Development (ATD), you have a 65% chance of completing a goal if you commit to someone. So it stands to reason if you set up regular check-ins with the person you’ve committed to, you’ll increase your chances of success by up to 95%.

Additionally, before making your final choice, their reputation, track record, and cost are also important to consider.

Are you building a leadership development program? Would you like to add executive coaches?    If you need skilled coaches for your learning program, contact one of our industry-expert relationship managers today. When you have more projects than people™, let TrainingPros find the consultant to start your project with confidence.