Fourth Annual Christian Coaching Day is Friday, May 12th

This week, I’m answering some common questions about coaching in celebration of the fourth annual Christian Coaching Day, Friday, May 12th. Yesterday, I shared Exactly, What Is Life Coaching. Today we focus on how a Life Coach is chosen.

When you think back to the original definition of the word coach, it was defined as a vehicle that took you from one specific place to a desired destination. You can’t determine how to get to your destination if you have no idea where you’re starting from.  So, where do you start?

If you are beginning to notice a mindset of negativity or a pattern that leaves you stuck, that could be a good indicator that there’s a desire for change in your life. Often, individuals begin to feel a restlessness in life or work or a feeling of “is this all there is?”. When the desire for transformation takes root, it’s often hard to seek the solutions alone due to the noise and clammer of the world we live in. A coach has been professionally trained to listen deeply and ask questions that promote awareness in one’s life. This awareness becomes the motivator for change and action.

So, Where do I find a coach?

When looking for a coach, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Referrals are often the best place to start as the person referring has a first-hand idea as they’ve already gone through the process with someone. The Coach-Client relationship is a personal one, so just because this coach was a good fit for your friend, doesn’t always mean it’s a good fit for you. A professional coach will see and respect your decision and will often offer some other recommendations for you if the fit isn’t just right.
• Professional networks is also a good place to begin your search:
  • The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the leading global organization for coaches and coaching. ICF is dedicated to advancing the coaching profession by setting high standards, providing independent certification and building a worldwide network of trained coaching professionals.
  • Catholic Life Coaches (which I am a member of) is a trusted resource for finding coaches who are not only professionally competent but also faithful to the Magisterium of the Catholic Church. Integrating Catholic faith principles and practices into coaching can really supercharge the process and can protect you from New Age influences so common in coaching, that can lead you down dangerous paths where you don’t want to go.
  • Not always the best route to go, but social media sites like LinedIn can also be a place to start your search, but be sure to adhere to some of the other tips listed below.
• Interview a Few Potential Coaches – It’s always a good idea to select 3-4 coach candidates and interview them yourself. Most professional coaches offer FREE discovery calls allowing you 20-30 minutes to ask questions and get to know one another. The coach/client relationship is highly personal so a good fit is extremely important.  Each coach brings their unique personality and style to your sessions, so be sure and ask some good questions and listen carefully to how the coach responds.  Here are a few good questions to start:
  • What certifications, credentials, and training do you have?
  • Why did you choose to become a life coach?
  • What kinds of measurable goals have your client’s seen with life coaching?
  • If you are seeking Faith-based coaching, What does your prayer life look like?
  • What areas of coaching do you specialize in?
  • Do you have a mentor coach? (Is your potential coach continuing to be coached?)
  • What is your professional fee and structure?
  • What types of assessments, if any, do you use?

Deciding to work with a life coach is an important decision. But deciding which coach to work with is even more critical and can make the difference between a successful partnership and a frustrating association. Before you hire a life coach, have a grasp on your goals and working style so you can select the right coach who will work alongside you on your journey. Finding the right life coach takes time and effort, but the rewards will be transformative and enduring.

You can find out more about my coaching practice here.