Life coaching has become so popular in recent years that everybody is at it, either being one, using one or both, since everyone can benefit from coaching. The impact of its popularity leave many confused and can also lead to misunderstanding of the profession, many coaches are now choosing to specialise in areas such as writing, small business, spirituality, relationship, sabbatical coaching. Do not think that to get a life coach you need to know immediately what area of your life you want to work on if you are uncertain choose life/personal coaching, choose a Niche coach ones you have used a personal/life coach.
So how do you choose a coach well to begin with look at several of the bio pages of coaches there are several directories such as
An international association based from the UK.
This directory is well laid out in sections of coaches requires coaches to provide evidence of their coaching qualification, membership and indemnity insurance.
A paid directory which also requires coaches to provide evidence.
Some points to think about when choosing a coach.
- Before you get started with a coach ensure that you are motivated to make changes in your life. Without the desire no coach can make the change for you.
- Get a sense of the coach as a person.
- consider what style they use and then consider what style of coaching you have enjoyed in the past do you need somebody at you all the time, do you respond better if the person is calm and laid back.
- One important point you should consider is how you would like to be coached face to face on the telephone or by video conferencing. Not all coaches offer all modes of coaching. Face to face coaching is often very expensive and time consuming.
- Then try a few out many good coaches offer a telephone discussion, free exploratory or trial session. Once you have tried a few of these you will start to get an idea of the area you are interested in and the style that suits you.
- Ask as many questions as possible before committing to that one coach.
- A large mistake would be to try too many coaches this will limit your progress and perhaps confuse you. In much the same way that asking 100 people for advice, on the best course of action with a problem, would have on your decision.
- It is a good idea to choose a coach who is a member of a professional association. They recognise and follow a code of ethics and good practice depending on the association to which they are members.
Some associations code of ethics.
code of ethics and good practice set out by the Association for coaching.
Code of ethics from the Society for Coaching Psychology
BPS Special group for coaching Psychology
Insurance
Most associations and professional bodies require their coaches to have liability insurance.
What types of coaching do you want.
There are two broad areas of coaching executive coaching – focused on work performance and Life/personal coaching -focused on life goals. However rarely is coaching that clear cut.
Executive coaching
This is generally solicited by a company for their executives and will have a specific job performance need in mind. Often focused on possible weaknesses.
Performance Coaching
When an executive employs a life coach broadly speak it will be considered performance coaching. Aspects of their life may also be considered. Both weaknesses and strengths should be considered. But the goals generally orientate around work or business.
Spiritual Executive coaching
This is a holistic approach to Executive coaching focusing not only on performance in a particular area of weakness but on the whole persons health, wellbeing and performance.
Other types of specialist coaching.
If you already know what area of your life needs work you could look for a coach who specialises in that area.
Relationship coaching – will focus on relationships perhaps not necessarily just romantic relationship.
Career coaching – This forwards your career and sets out a career path.
Spiritual coaching will focus on the spiritual side of all aspects of your life and is a holistic approach to coaching it is not just focused on adjusting your thinking to reflect a more spiritual path. Particularly useful for life-work-play balance, confidence building and increasing happiness.
Sabbatical coaching – will assist you to make the most of a sabbatical or gap year. This may also be defined as Adventure coaching.
Cross-cultural coaching - It should never be underestimated the stress a move can have on a person but imagine how much more stressful if can be to move culture entirely. This coaching is often solicited by companies for their employees.
Sports or exercise coaching perhaps the origin of coaching lies with the sports coach who pushed sports persons to improve their technique however in recent years the sports coach focused on performance incorporated the psychology of sport. For those not competing in competitive sports an exercise coach or trainer can also assist you optimise your health through exercise.
This list is endless but I have listed a few to give you an idea for inspiration.
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