So, you ae considering working with a coach. This is an exciting, and sometimes quite daunting prospect. Whatever the catalyst, it is important to engage a coach that is ‘best fit for you. This ensures that you get the support you need and that you get value for the time, energy and money that you invest. Working with a coach on a one-to-one basis can be truly life-changing but before you engage a coach there are a few things you may like to consider. I have outlined four key factors to help you step into a new coaching relationship with confidence and set you up for success.

1. Know what your needs are.
Coaching is a partnership between client and coach that is focused on the personal and professional development. It’s a fantastic way to ensure that you gain clarity around aspirations, set and achieve goals, understand and remove roadblocks and help you live your greatest thriving life. Some people have a crystal-clear view of what they want to achieve from coaching, others work it out within the coaching context. Having a sense of what your needs are will help your conversations with a potential coach upfront and decide whether coaching is the best approach for you.

2. Check that your potential coach is qualified.
Coaching is an entirely unregulated industry which means literally anyone can hang out a sign and take your money. This means that it is important to check and understand your potential coaches’ qualifications. These should be specific to coaching psychology from a reputable tertiary institution. Qualified coaches are trained in multiple techniques and models,  quickly recognize when someone needs alternate support and have deep understanding of complex ethical considerations.  In terms of certification, it’s worth recognizing that some commercial organizations seek to offer a consistent standard in the coaching industry (such as ICF) but these do not constitute industry regulation.

3. Have the discovery conversation
Most coaches will offer some kind of initial ‘discovery’ conversation so you can both understand if coaching is the right approach for you and, very importantly, to ensure that you are a good fit for each other. Even if your potential coach comes recommended, I strongly suggest having this initial chat. Coaching can be an intimate process, so you want to work with someone you feel comfortable with and whose approach aligns with your needs. Take the chance to ask all the logistical questions too. Cover things like connection frequency and channel (increasingly this is online,), cost (including any packages), any ‘homework' requirements, and any associated policies. This is also your chance to ask any questions you may have to help you feel confident going into a new working partnership.

3. Discuss and agree expectations.
Coaching is a process that takes time and effort. While there is no fixed timeframe or set number of sessions, it usually takes multiple sessions to achieve meaningful outcomes. Check what your potential coach's approach is, share and agree expectations of each other and understand what happens when the coaching relationship comes to an end.

Having clarity on these things before you begin work with a coach offers confidence and sets you up for success.