How Do You Choose the Right Coach?

/by

How do you choose the right coach?

After 20 years working in coaching, leadership development, and human development, I’ve learned a few things about what makes a coaching relationship successful:

1. Choose a coach who embodies qualities you aspire to have.

If you want to be more bold, authentic, present, resilient, adventurous, or grounded, find a coach who genuinely embodies those qualities. Working with someone who lives what they teach is valuable. Their example will often inspire growth in you beyond anything they say.

2. Choose a coach who understands your challenges and goals.

The more experience and firsthand understanding a coach has of what you’re going through, the more understood and supported you will feel. A coach doesn’t need to have lived your exact life, but they should be able to relate to your challenges and help you navigate them effectively.

3. Choose a coach you respect.

I’ve had clients who were exceptional at following through on their intentions and creating results. When I asked what kept them motivated, several told me: “I didn’t want to let you down.” The more you respect your coach, the more likely you are to take action, stay accountable, and follow through on your commitments.

4. Choose a coach who elevates you.

Part of the value of a coach is that they help bring you into a better version of yourself. The right coach often leaves you feeling calmer, clearer, more confident, more grateful, and more capable than when you arrived.

In my experience, one of the most overlooked aspects of coaching is the influence of having the right person in your life. Someone whose example and presence inspires you to become more than you would on your own.

Does Coaching Actually Work?

/by

Does Coaching Actually Work?

Yes.

But in my experience, two things need to be present in the client: desire and effort.

I’ve coached people who genuinely wanted to grow, and others who were there because coaching sounded good or because their employer, wife, or someone else thought it would help.

The people who benefit most from coaching usually have genuine goals they want to achieve.

They have hunger.

They want to improve, change, or develop in some meaningful way.

But desire alone isn’t enough.

The clients who get the best results are the ones who consistently put in effort over time.

They reflect honestly.
They take action.
They follow through.

They stay engaged even when the process becomes uncomfortable, slow, or difficult.

Some people get tired, avoid the work, lose focus, or stop following through.

Naturally, results are limited.

Before investing in coaching, I recommend asking yourself two questions:

  • Do I genuinely want to change or improve in some area of my life, leadership, or business?
  • Am I willing to consistently put in the effort, even if it takes months or years?

Coaching can absolutely help.

But in my experience, the people who benefit most are usually the ones willing to actively engage in the process over time.

If you’re considering coaching and want to explore whether it’s the right fit, you can learn more about my coaching work here.