TJ Wisner interviews me, Deb Nystrom, on questions to ask to choose a coach for yourself.

Connect, Clarify and Commit: listen to internet radio with Terry Wisner via Blog Talk Radio

via flickr.com

The three "Cs" are simple to remember, yet they are implemented so differently among coaches. 

Here are some basic questions to ask your coach candidates:

1. How does your background and training define the type of coaching you offer?
2. Why did you choose to become a coach?
3. What is your coaching philosophy?
4. Describe the results one of your clients has achieved through coaching.
5. What’s unique about you as a coach?
6. Describe your coaching process.
7. Will our sessions be in person or over the phone?
8. How frequently will we meet, for how long, and over what duration?
9. What do you charge?
10. Who is your ideal client?
11. How will I measure success in using you as my coach?
12. Where can I read more about your approach (if the coach uses a website and/or social media)?

Start with thinking about your relationships with mentors, sport coaches, teachers and friends.  Consider what relationships were most beneficial to your development and why.  Bring this thinking to your decision making when considering leveraging a coach to help you see deeply into your own strengths and capacity to help you maximize your best self.   

If you have thoughts about these questions and this approach, feel free to share them!   

Warm Regards,

--Deb