Roberta Matuson* says hiring an executive coach is a significant career decision — it should not be done simply on someone else’s say-so.
I recently put up a poll on LinkedIn asking people to share the number one criteria they use when hiring an executive coach.
The number one response by far was fit, followed by reputation and then price.
Given that fit is so important, I thought it would be helpful to explore how you can find an executive coach who is the right fit for you.
I often receive requests for coaching. Some people appear to be a good match, while others would be best served by someone else.
You may have experienced this for yourself when you decided to use the same coach as your friend was using, only to find you were disappointed in the results, while your friend was quite happy.
That’s because when it comes to coaching, one size does not fit all.
Here are four things to consider when selecting an executive coach.
Seek someone who has been where you want to go
You wouldn’t jump out of a plane with someone who has never sky-dived.
So why would you hire a coach who has never done what you are seeking to do?
When searching for a coach, find someone who has achieved the level of success you are aiming for.
Forget the certifications
Coaching is like the Wild West.
There is no widely accepted certification for organisations in the field of coaching, although some may argue they are indeed the only ones who can deem people coaches.
I applaud people’s efforts to improve their coaching skills by attending certification programs.
However, I would not turn someone away who has worked directly with clients to improve their condition, simply because they didn’t have initials after their name.
Chemistry
At the end of the day, it comes down to fit. If you watch the television show, Dancing with the Stars, you know what I mean.
Some stars perform at a higher level when their teacher is a taskmaster, while others need a more subtle approach.
You know yourself best. Find a coach who will take you out of your comfort zone and will help you become the best version of yourself.
Focus on the quality, not the price
You can get to the same destination in a four-cylinder car, yet some of us choose to drive a high-performance vehicle that will get us there faster.
Of course there is a cost to making this choice. Like cars, coaches come in a variety of models.
Know what you’re getting and be sure you’re not sacrificing speed for cost.
*Roberta Matuson is president of Matuson Consulting which helps Fortune 500 companies and high growth businesses create exceptional workplaces. She can be contacted at [email protected].
This article first appeared at matusonconsulting.com.
