Posted on May 18, 2011 by Stanlee Panelle

There are tons of helpers out there for almost every issue a person can come up with. When looking for a Coach, here are some things to keep in mind.

1. First and foremost is a CONNECTION. When you are interviewing your prospective Coach, be yourself. Don’t hold back. Use the language you use. State your opinions. Make yourself known. Then listen for how this person responds. Are they in tune with you? Are they sensitive to your style? Do they really hear you or are they intent on their own agenda? Do you feel understood and accepted? Do you like them?

2. Equally first and foremost, do they have what you want? This idea comes from the 12 step paradigm of sponsorship. When you are looking for someone to help you along your way, look for someone that has what you want. That means, someone that is experienced and knowledgeable in the issue of your interest. If you’re looking for someone to help you get your business organized, you will want someone with business acumen, experience, and success, either of their own history and/or in helping people successfully accomplish what you want to accomplish.

3. Look for someone that generates a feeling of safety and trust, so that you are willing to be completely honest with them. Coaching works best when the client feels safe and open, this allows them to be honest with all that pertains to the issue at hand. That way, they can be a better help and support to you. If you feel like someone is kind of like a “used car salesman”, you probably won’t feel safe to explore all that you need to, even if they have stellar testimonials and talk a blue streak about how they can help.

4. Find someone that has a track record of dependability. Notice how quickly they call you back and what kind of restrictions they place on your sessions and support adjuncts. Are they consistent in their delivery? Are they going to be there to see you all the way to success? Or do you feel like they are too busy or too self indulgent to follow through when you need them? You don’t want to find yourself deep into a process or project and unable to reach your coach at a crucial moment because they are snorkeling in the Caribbean and sending little newsletters about how fabulous their life is due to their amazing success.

5. Get a sense of how open and understanding your potential Coach is. If you need to renegotiate your Coaching terms down the line for whatever reason, are they going to work with you? or are they going to dump you? Sometimes stuff just needs to be worked out and you want to trust that your Coach trusts you as well, so that such things don’t make you bail when all you needed was a little time or grace in the process.

6. Ask questions. Whatever it is that is on your mind when interviewing a prospective Coach, ask it. How they respond will tell you a lot. Remember: you are the one in charge here. You don’t need to make the Coach comfortable or take care of them. That’s the beauty of hiring a helper. It’s all about YOU. Not them. Step on up and let yourself be the center of attention. Don’t make it easy on them. You have nothing to prove. It’s the Coach that needs to prove themselves to you.

Choose a Coach that you would love to have as a mentor or a BFF but don’t treat them like a BFF. It’s pretty much a one way relationship with a great feel of the best of friendship without all the obligation on your part. Choose someone you will enjoy and respect. Then… have a great time!