How to find and select a coach
The International Coach Federation has a directory of coaches you can search by specialty. Check out their website at www.coachfederation.org. Here is what you need to consider:
• Know your objectives for working with a coach. Do you want to rebalance your life? Get that job promotion? Improve a relationship?
• Interview three coaches before deciding on one. Ask about their experience, qualifications, skills and at least two references.
• Rapport. Choose someone you will be able to relate to very well. The relationship with your coach should be a model for all your other relationships: inspiring, supporting, challenging and productive.
• Location. Some coaches do offer on-site coaching, but it's not normally necessary or efficient.
• Specific knowledge. A coach with experience in your personal or professional situation may understand you more quickly. But, much of your work with a coach will involve encouraging you to use and develop your personal skills and expanding your network so specific knowledge is not as important as you might think.
• Cost. Life coaches charge anywhere from $50 to a rumoured $10,000 an hour depending on their experience and reputation. But you should be able to hire one with solid experience for $150 an hour. The ICF recommends clients have weekly half-hour sessions.
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