Selecting an Executive or Career Coach

Finding the right executive or career coach for your needs and personality can be a challenging task. However, it is of the greatest importance to find someone that is not only experienced, but qualified to address your needs. To make sure your coach is qualified and can deliver what you need, here are 8 tips to consider.

John is known and has been introduced in a national media interview as the coach who coaches other coaches

"John has the natural gift of extracting what's important to me and converting that into achievable actions. Within the precious hour of discussion, I get personal insights that carry me into the next phase of my life. When I think about John's coaching, I think of one word - growth. I've had true personal growth ever since I've worked with him."
- JS, Professional Therapist, Louisianna

1. Experience

Does the coach have work experience comparable to yours? It is estimated that about 75% of self-proclaimed career coaches actually have little-to-no experience in the workplace and have only been trained in life coaching. Such individuals may have a number of suggestions that seem wise on the surface, but have few practical suggestions on how to help you achieve your professional goals or overcome challenging obstacles. We have been coaching leaders and athletes for over 20 years.

2. Credentials

Choose a coach who belongs to trade organizations like the National Speakers Association, Worldwide Career Coach Association (WCCA) and the International Association of Business Coaches (IABC). These affiliations are a sign of formal training and of adherence to general standards of professionalism.

3. Credibility

Select someone that has a solid and quality reputation. Your coach should be active and visible, publishing a book and/or articles, as well as experience speaking at conferences. Select a coach for whom coaching was a focus in their career, not someone who may have failed in another role and found coaching as a default role to which he or she may not be 100% committed. Someone who struggled in being successful in the workplace may not be the right person to help you achieve your own success. John is a published author and a former columnist who has also been published and interviewed internationally.

4. Testimonials

Request that the coach provide you with references from past clients. If he or she declines, this could be a point of concern. Do some research on the Web and see if you find any comments about this individual.

5. Methods

Some coaches insist that you come to their location in person; others will agree to meet with you at a local coffee shop, their office or even work with you by phone or by email. If you would prefer a particular meeting location or method, make sure the coach you're considering will at least discuss your request.

6. Goals

Any decent career coach should be able to help you find and establish your professional goals. However, before meeting with anyone, take some time to determine your own goals and potential milestones. When you do meet with your coach, inquire as to when you can expect to see results, and what those results might look like. If your coach is unable to give you answers in this regard, he or she is asking you to drive without directions.

7. Consultation

Your first meeting is vital in establishing the extent to which your potential coach and you are compatible (or not). Don't forget: this an individual with whom you will be revealing personal aspects and details of your life. Make sure you make the most of the first session, but also bear in mind that the first consultation is a mutual interview and should be free. Beware of anyone who charges for an initial consultation.

8. Fees

Executive and Career coach rates vary substantially anywhere from $50 to $700 for sessions that may last an hour or an entire day. Some coaches want to meet with you only a few times, to help you get started in a new direction, while others want to work with you in a far more long-term manner. Some individuals provide you with various materials to supplement your coaching sessions; others rely more on the outcome of your meetings. Make sure you understand from the get-go how much you will be paying and what services you'll receive for that rate. Our rates are hourly with all fees agreed upon in advance including travel and expenses.

More resources as you think about working with a professional Coach
“What Can Coaches Do For You?” – Harvard Business Review, January 2009
“Is Coaching Worth the Money? Assessing the ROI of Executive Coaching” – excerpt from The Art and Practice of Leadership Coaching: 50 Top Executive Coaches Reveal Their Secrets by Howard Morgan, Phil Harkins, and Marshall Goldsmith (eds.), 2005

Ask for a Coach from The Edwards Group
submit a request to be contacted using our contact us page
in addition to John, we have other qualified coaches ready to help you achieve personal and professional excellence

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