Selecting a Coach: The Chemistry Call
In an effort to take some of the mystery out of the process of coaching for people interested in engaging a coach, I’ll periodically share my experience to answer some common questions.
🗓 Today – let’s talk about the process of “interviewing” a coach as part of your search for the right fit. Many coaches in the US refer to this interview as a “chemistry call.” This name reflects the primary goal of an initial call – making sure that there is good chemistry between the coach and the potential client that will serve as a foundation for a successful engagement.
Chances are that as the potential client, the coach will allow you to direct the conversation however you like. Here are some topics you might be curious about:
❓ Coach background. Many coaches have a professional background that precedes their time as a coach. To what extent is it important that their professional background aligns with yours? Are you curious about how their background influences their coaching practice?
❓ Coaching process. What should you expect the coaching process to look like? How long are the sessions? How frequent and over how many months? How flexible is their process and what type of engagement with the coach is available in between session?
❓ Coaching credentials. You might be curious about the coach’s credentials. Many coaches with have ACC, PCC, or MCC after their names based on the certification level with the International Coaching Federation. These mean that coaches have received training, agree to a code of ethics and meet other qualification requirements.
❓ Coaching methodology. Ask the potential coach to describe their methodology. What are the steps of the process, what does success look like, and how will you know it is working? This method is the product the coach is offering you, so understand before you buy!
❓ Case studies. Some clients ask for case studies to reflect prior situations where the coach has worked with a client in a similar situation. Keep in mind, that everyone is unique and coaches must reflect client confidentiality, but it’s fair to expect a coach to illustrate to you where they have had success with clients to help you understand the potential impact of coaching.
✍ Please comment if you have questions about these or other possible topics, or if you’ve had experiences that would help others understand this important step in the process of finding a coach.
In a future post I’ll talk more about questions the coach is likely to ask you.
To have a chemistry call with me about your interest in coaching, please reach out to me here or at john@aconnectedcoach.com.