5 Questions to Ask a Potential Coach
1. “How do you define the difference between coaching and mentoring?”
- A certified coach will explain that mentoring is about sharing their own experience and giving advice, while coaching is a partnership where the coach facilitates your thinking to help you find your own solutions.
2. “What is your process for managing professional boundaries and ethics?”
- They should mention the ICF Code of Ethics and specific practices like confidentiality, managing conflicts of interest, and knowing when to refer you to a therapist if a topic moves into mental health territory.
3. “How many hours of ‘coach-specific’ training have you completed?”
- Look for at least 60 hours (the minimum for an ICF Associate Credential). Leadership experience is valuable, but it is not the same as professional coach training.
4. “What coaching model or methodology do you use?”
- They should name a framework (e.g., the S.H.I.N.E. framework, the GROW model, the GOOD model). This proves they aren’t just “winging it” but are using a proven psychological structure.
5. “How do we measure the success of our engagement?”
- They will talk about setting S.M.A.R.T. goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) during an intake session and doing regular “check-ins” to see if you are hitting your markers.
THE BOTTOM LINE: Great coaching is a partnership, not a pep talk. Ensure your coach has the credentials to back up their claims.