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3 Things to Look For in a Life Coach

Guest post by: Sheryl Nicholson

Article Overview: I recently was asked some questions about coaching since I am a Life Coach myself. Things have definitely changed over the years. Due to insurance companies getting more and more strict about paying for mental health help, I've found allot of social workers, psychologists in the field now. They have found that a top CEO has no probelm getting their company to pay for a Life Coach and there's no filling out of insurance forms in the process. And paid off human resource heads can now attend a "coaching University" and get certified to coach. So coaching is much more common. For me, I coaching evolved as a professional keynoter, when I was often asked if I would work with an employee privately. I've seen good and bad coaches over the years and have found you should be able to qualify and interview your coach before you make that huge tim

3 Things to Look For in a Life Coach

I recently was asked some questions about coaching since I am a Life Coach myself. Things have definitely changed over the years. Due to insurance companies getting more and more strict about paying for mental health help, I've found allot of social workers, psychologists in the field now. They have found that a top CEO has no probelm getting their company to pay for a Life Coach and there's no filling out of insurance forms in the process. And paid off human resource heads can now attend a "coaching University" and get certified to coach. So coaching is much more common.

For me, I coaching evolved as a professional keynoter, when I was often asked if I would work with an employee privately. I've seen good and bad coaches over the years and have found you should be able to qualify and interview your coach before you make that huge time and money investment.

Someone asked me if I had ever used a coach. I understand that timing is essential when you are looking for a coach. I didn't have a coach for years simply because as a single parent and entrepreneur raising 4 kids, I knew that was money taken from the mouth of my babes. Not everyone is a candidate for coaching. My timing wasn't right. You have to first get past "survival".

As soon as I was able to move beyond that, I got control of developing a budget, raised my confidence and clients began to call, book and pay. I knew it was time to invest my time and money wisely to advance to the next level. I didn't have allot of money but knew if I invested (not spent it) with the right person I'd get results - not because THEY were doing the work but because they were sharing the wisdom.

So what should you look for in a coach?

1. In my opinion, someone who values YOUR time and money and is committed to making sure you get results. I know several coaches who tend to be "buddies and friends" more than coaches. They listen instead of lead or direct. They focus more on the relationship that the action steps needed to take to advance their client forward. I also know of some coaches who are focues on their own income and therefore gives tiny bite size pieces of information for a long periond so that their contract can be extended. You and your coach should have a clear list of intentions and results you want to walk away with. I have been able to say "I'm not the right fit for you but can find the coach you need" when it's a topic outside my expertise. Make sure your coach isn't running to the library to become on overnight expert to bluff your way through to the next step.

2. Have a deadline or plan of action. I don't think your coach is someone you should have a long term commitment to - it's not a marriage. After all it's just ONE more opinion. You need insight from different people. One coach can't possibly know it all. I talked to a propect who had the same coach for 5 years. She really didn't think much was changing in her life after this amount of time but didn't want to "fire" her because now she was a friend. See what I mean?

3. Make sure your coach has resources (other people, other knowledge, other connections) that can advance you. They should be out expanding their OWN knowledge as well as yours and openly be excited about sharing what THEY are learning that can help YOU. Make sure they are sharing their resources too. As I grow my business I learn things that can advance my clients too. I make sure I get them free passes to events, add them into certain experts' mailing lists, and loan books and tapes and if they are local - personally introduce them to people they should know.

I hope this helps you in deciding when and who to choose as your coach. A good one can literally double your income, keep you energized and focused, and bring more than money to your life!

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Article Tags: coach, coaching, leadership, life coach, personal coach, sheryl nicholson



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