5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hiring An Executive Coach

Coaching and mentoring has the potential to make a leader perform even better and achieve even greater results. At the same time like all development activity it requires effort. So what questions should you be asking yourself before deciding whether coaching or mentoring is right for you.

What Do You Want To Achieve?

While you might be looking to work with a coach to get clarity, what I have noticed is that those with a very clear purpose get much better results. Vague outcomes mean that more time is spent figuring out rather than driving forward.

Are You Willing to Do The Work?

There are some people who want the rewards and at the same time are not willing to put in the effort to get that reward. A coach or mentor can support, encourage, challenge and hold you to account but they cannot do the work for you.

What Type Of Coach or Mentor Will Bring Out The Best In You?

Some people like the softly softly approach while others want to be told straight when they are deluding themselves. Others will want something in the middle. Be clear about they type of coach or mentor that will bring out the best in you.

How Important Is Specific Expertise?

Yes most coaches and mentors can adapt to the client. At the same time if you want something really specific it is much better to go with someone who has the type of expertise you are seeking to gain.

What Type Of Coaching Will Work Best For You?

Some work exclusively in person while others work exclusively by telephone and some do a mix and match. You need to decide what is going to work best for you given the type of role you do and your schedule.

The Bottom Line: Deciding to work with a coach or mentor is a significant investment of time, energy and money so make sure you invest wisely.

Duncan Brodie coaches and mentors professional people who want to become highly effective leaders and managers and achieve career success.

About the Author Duncan Brodie

Since 2006 I’ve worked with in excess of 8,000 accountants and professionals in workshops, seminars and one to one helping them land their next jobs and become better leaders, presenters and business partners. Before that I spent 25 years in accountancy climbing the career ladder from Payments Clerk to FD. I’m a CIMA Fellow, Certified Professional Coach and Team Coach Facilitator.

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Charlotte says 4 November 2012

Thanks for the timely reminder. It is very easy to pick the wrong coach. Just because you get on we’ll together doesn’t mean you’ll necessarily get the challenges you need. I once had a coach where although I was paying the meeting often disintergrated into co -coaching!

Mike Lewis says 7 June 2013

To become a good leader proper coaching is needed so that essential leadership skills can be imparted. But before hiring a executive coach it is important to ask some questions. To choose a coach is also important who can provide you proper tips so that you can improve your skills.

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5 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Hiring An Executive Coach

About the Author Duncan Brodie

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