In part one of this series, I told you about a few things to consider when figuring out the best coach for you: namely, why you are thinking of a coach, what areas of expertise you may need your coach to require and the goals you want to accomplish in the future with the help of a coach.

That’s not all, though–there are a few more things to consider.

1. Working style

2. Fresh perspective

3. Structure

Working Style 

Think about your most successful relationships in life. Are there shared qualities between those people? Maybe you like someone who brings humor into your relationship. Maybe you prefer someone really direct and keeps it real. Do you like informal, or formal? Are you looking for a “work therapist” where you can really lay out your feelings about the issue, or do you want to keep it based in skill development?  Do you want someone who guides you to an answer, or lets you work it out through your conversations? 

Chances are, you’ve already had experiences with all types of working styles within the existing relationships in your life. It will truly help you to pick the right coach if you reflect back on the common themes for styles within past positive relationships you’ve had. It’s important that you have the ability to trust your coach and create a harmonious working relationship, and considering their working style first could help with that. 

Fresh Perspective 

Have you had some moments in your work recently where you’ve just really wished you had an outside opinion? I’m guessing you have, and perhaps you’ve found outlets here and there already…this doesn’t have to be a coach. It’s great to have existing natural outlets – your partner, your carpool buddy, your best friend…but, the beauty of a coach is that they can give you a unique outlook that’s totally neutral. Your coach does not have any skin in the game–their only interest in your success.

When you’re figuring out if a potential coach is a match, think of the perspective they have and the experience they bring. Will they bring the unique and separate outlook you need? What do they bring to the table in their personal toolbox of previous experience? For example, I have some clients who work in religiously affiliated organizations–and many of them have stated before how much they enjoy that I am truly neutral, and don’t have the baggage or perspective that comes with having spent decades working in (parochial schools/higher ed/Jewish-affiliated organizations, etc.)

Structure

Would it help to have space on your calendar to focus on your personal development as a leader, the big picture thinking you need to carve out time for, or a holding place to tackle difficult questions or issues? My guess is that it would. It really helps to send a signal to your brain that you are taking these things seriously and can benefit from actually holding this space. Often leaders tell me what they need most is time to think–and while sometimes we can mull over issues while on a run on or on a commute, the reality is that there is nothing like having sacred time on your calendar–with another person there to make syre you spend time on this.

When you’re considering the right coach, consider the structure your potential coach is proposing, and if you think that schedule would work for you. Do you want them to be available as needed–for the random email or text? Or, are regular scheduled meetings sufficient? What cadence would work best for you?  What will you hope to accomplish during that structured time? Considering this all side by side with the other considerations (like the goals you want to accomplish, areas of expertise, etc.) will help lead you to the structure that’s right for you.

This about sums up the things I’d recommend you consider when determining if someone is a potential match for you as a leadership coach. What else comes to mind when you’re thinking about working with someone new? Let me know in the comments– I’d love to hear from you. 

Side note – coaching leaders is one of my favorite things I offer in my business. If you want to see if WE are a good match, book a consultation call to see if we are a good fit.  We can go through all of these things together to determine what you need to help achieve your goals.