Thinking about working with a professional coach? You’re not alone.
For many, work satisfaction has a large impact on overall happiness. A Frontiers in Psychology study found that higher job satisfaction is associated with higher life satisfaction. Those who utilized a Career or Executive coach reported improvements in both their professional and personal lives in the following areas:
- Improved work performance (70%)
- Improved team effectiveness (51%)
- Improved communication skills (72%)
- Improved work-life balance (67%)
- Improved relationships (73%)
- Improved self-confidence (80%)
*reported by the ICF Global Coaching Client Study conducted by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Questions to Ask Yourself
- What are my goals? – Take a moment to reflect on why you are looking for a coach. Some people utilize a coach to assist them in making a career transition, finding more happiness and purpose in their career or to developing leadership skills.
- What matters to me? – Identify your values and use them to evaluate your coach. If the coach’s credentials are important to you, ask them about their certifications. If finding work-life balance is important to you, ask the coach how they help their clients achieve work-life balance.
- What qualities do I look for in others? – Think about those you have worked with in the past in a coaching capacity. What was your favorite thing about working with that person? How did they help you? Keep those qualities in mind as you chat with potential coaches.
Questions to Ask the Coach
- What services do you offer? – Reviewing the coach’s services will help you to evaluate whether they are a good fit for you based on your goals and values. Some coaches will outline what you can expect from the coaching relationship. This will help you to identify tangible outcomes that you can expect to attain through the partnership.
- Can you provide me with any resources or information? – If the coach offers information or guidance on their website or blog, it will give you an idea of the types of insights they may offer. If you relate to the information, you probably will connect with their perspective on career and life.
- Do you have any testimonials or referrals? – A good coach will be able to provide testimonials or referrals of past clients. You can learn a lot from what a former client shares. Assess the areas that the clients focus on. Is it the coach’s stellar personality, ability to help clients clarify career goals or their ability to ask the tough questions? Take a moment to evaluate whether these areas relate to what you are looking for in a coach.
- Do you provide a trial or free consultation? – A trial or free consultation provides a great opportunity for you to see if the coaching relationship is a good fit for both of you. This allows you to test out the waters without committing financially.
- Do you have any certifications or a degree which relates to coaching? – Learn about their career trajectory. What inspired them to become a coach? Most likely, they have been in a position that they have been coaching or helping others to make positive changes. You can learn a lot from hearing what led a coach to their current career path!
Now… how do you feel?
After reviewing the coach’s website or talking with them, do you feel inspired or motivated to make a change? A good coach will not only give you good advice and insights, they will empower you and motivate you to be proactive. Take notice of the words they use. Does it resonate with you? Do you feel like they “get it”? Trust your gut! If the career coach seems like someone that you would connect with, you are probably right.
Are you looking to make a change? If Life in Progress Coaching seems like a good fit for you, let’s chat! Schedule a free consultation here.