Seven Reasons You Might Want a Career Coach

Wesley, I am glad you added #8. The success of a coaching program is very dependent on the trust and strength of the coaching relationship.

I strongly encourage people to interview coaches. It’s kind of hard to listen to a coach’s description of their services and be able to distinguish one from the other. We have a tendency to sound alike. But take the time to sense if you are comfortable with the person. Would this be a person you would be comfortable feeling vulnerable with? Could you look dumb or ask any question and feel not judged but accepted? Can you trust them to push you where you need pushing yet always in a respectful and supportive way?

A good coach knows the importance of this and should be very supportive of your efforts to check the fit.

And if the fit is not good, a good coach will supply the names of other coaches for you to try.

When asking coaches questions about their background and capability, I recommend making sure they are certified by ICF – (the International Coach Federation). Ask if they went thru training to be a coach. Ask what were the times when the coaching did not work for a client. Hint - if a coach says it always works, don't hire them!

Coaching is one of the greatest things you can do for yourself. Great leaders and accomplished people will tell you they had coaches throughout their life. So take the time to make sure the coach is the right one for you.

Good luck!
Dave Schoof

Thank for you the additional comments Dave.

Wesley Hein
Wesley [at] lifetwo [dot] com