Entering into a coaching relationship is an important commitment. There are great benefits for small business owners who want to make changes in order to be, do, and have the things they want for their business. It’s smart business to be sure the coach you choose is the right one for you.
In this series, you’ve learned a few important steps to take to find the right coach for your business. Now let’s take a look at some questions to ask to make sure the coach is the best fit for you at this moment in time.
Did you know? Did you know some coaches may be too elementary or too advanced for your needs? It’s important to know the level of coaching you are getting and make sure it is in tune with your needs and your current mindset level. Some coaches may be too basic- leaving you feeling like you need more, while others may be too advanced- making you feel overwhelmed or left behind.
Part of the process of hiring a coach should include an interview. This can be done face-to-face, on the phone, or online during using a video platform. Use this time to ask these important questions to be sure your expectations are being met.
Q? How much experience do you have coaching? Knowing how much coaching someone has done is important. A new coach may know a lot about business but very little about being a coach. Check to see the balance between their expertise and how long they have been coaching.
Q? Have you worked with someone similar? Asking your coach for an example of a time they helped someone like you can help you see their qualifications and how they helped that person achieve their goals. If this is their first time helping someone in your industry or with your unique needs, be sure to ask them how they feel they can help you get the results you’re after.
Q? What are your expectations of me during our time together? This question will help you determine if the workload your coach has for you is reasonable or manageable under your current circumstances. Do they require journaling, assigned reading, or simply use their coaching time as a dialogue between the two of you? Make sure their expectations meet your commitment to the program.
Q? What should I expect after completing coaching? Coaches should be able to articulate outcomes based on what their previous clients have achieved or based on the specific goals you have set for your coaching.
Q? How will we determine coaching is working? Coaches should have a measurement tool or a timeline for assessing if you are reaching your coaching goals. It helps to know up front how they gauge success and what they do when things don’t seem to be progressing.
Q? What is the exit strategy? Most coaching comes to an end. It’s possible to outgrow a coach or need to pivot to another type of coaching. Asking the coach the time frame expected for coaching (for your specific goals) can help you determine how much time and resources need to be invested.
Q? Is there an escape clause? Coaches worth their salt should have a plan if or when coaching isn’t working out. While many times failure in coaching isn’t related to the coach, it is important to know if and how you can exit their program if you aren’t satisfied.
There may be other specific questions that make sense for you to ask during an interview, don’t hesitate to ask until you feel you can make an informed decision to get coaching. In the end, if you feel confident the coach can help you achieve your goals then you can feel confident saying yes to coaching.
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