What to Look for in Your Executive Coach

Sep 2

Finding an executive coach is easy, but finding the right one is a process that requires discernment. Often coaches are found by online search or word of mouth, but how do you know if the coach you find is the coach who will help you flourish?

To help you evaluate potential coaches, consider these five fundamental questions. These questions will cut through the noise of marketed promises and find out just how the coach will work with you and encourage you to reach your goals.

If you’re looking to go even deeper, I’ve included optional follow-up questions to help you better understand the coach's qualifications or approach.

Question 1: What are your credentials?***

When seeking an executive coach, the first step is to examine coaching credentials. Due to the unregulated nature of the coaching industry, it’s crucial to understand which qualifications hold weight. Ask any potential coach about their professional training, degrees, and certifications, particularly those focused on psychology, human behavior, and behavior change.

For example, my own background includes a doctorate in adult learning and organizational psychology, complemented by a master’s in adult development. Over the years, I’ve continued to invest in training and specialized certifications that inform my work with clients. Coaching credentials help potential clients to determine whether a coach has received essential training for guiding individuals through significant life transitions.

**Follow-up question: Who is coaching you right now?**

This question will help you determine whether your potential coach is committed to their own learning journey. Credentials are important, but not enough. Coaches who invest in their own personal and professional development are often more equipped to guide you effectively since they continue to experience the value of accountability and support.

What to listen for: Focus on a coach’s expertise in human development rather than industry-specific knowledge. Look for coaches who employ evidence-based methods informed by psychology, rather than relying solely on personal anecdotes or opinions.

Question 2: What is unique about your approach to coaching?

Understanding your potential coach’s approach is vital, since coaching is fundamentally about helping clients uncover their own insights and solutions. Unlike consulting, where answers are provided, coaching focuses on eliciting self-discovery through guided questioning.
It is a path that offers visible changes, but no guarantee of effective or long-lasting impact—and certainly no impetus for lasting change or altered perspectives.

Explore the frameworks and methodologies your potential coach uses. Every coach has a unique style. At Awaken Leadership Solutions, we emphasize a tailored approach that digs deep into the underlying issues our clients face.

Follow-up question: Can you describe any tools you use and if they vary from client to client?

A skilled coach appreciates the importance of flexibility and customization. If a potential coach presents a one-size-fits-all methodology, it might be a signal to proceed with caution. Great coaches adapt their tools to suit the client’s specific needs and circumstances.

What to listen for: Determine how well a coach’s proposed process aligns with your needs. Ensure that there is an emphasis on collaboration, where both the coach and client share control over the coaching journey.

Question 3: What results can I expect?

It’s important to understand the outcomes you can anticipate from the coaching experience. Ask your potential coach for examples of past successes and how they tend to measure progress.

Follow-up question: What can we do together to track progress during our coaching relationship?

Setting clear expectations and metrics for success will help you both stay accountable. Regular check-ins on progress ensure that the coaching relationship remains dynamic and responsive.

What to listen for: Notice any concrete examples of previous client transformations and a willingness to set measurable goals together.

Question 4: How do you handle challenges in the coach and client relationship?

Every coaching relationship will encounter challenges. Understanding how a coach navigates these hurdles can give you insight into their resilience and adaptability.

Follow-up question: Can you share an example of a challenging coaching situation and how you approached it?

This question can reveal the depth of a coach’s experience and their problem-solving strategies.

What to listen for: Listen for a balanced perspective on challenges and their resolution, indicating a proactive and strategic approach to potential obstacles.

Question 5: What is your availability and communication style?

The level of success achieved by coaching is often influenced by your coach’s availability and how they communicate. Are they assertive, direct and straightforward? Or do they take a suggesting, sensitive, empathetic approach? You can also discuss practical matters, such as typical response times and preferred communication channels.

Follow-up question: How do you adapt your communication style to suit your clients?

Different clients have different needs, and a good coach can adapt their communication style accordingly, ensuring optimal support throughout your journey.

What to listen for: Make sure your chosen coach’s communication style resonates with you, and that they show a genuine desire to accommodate your preferences.

How these five help you thrive***

Choosing the right executive coach is a pivotal decision in your professional development. By starting with these five questions and listening carefully to the responses of your potential coaches, you can ensure that you select someone who can guide you toward meaningful change.

Remember, a successful coaching relationship is built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to growth. That journey can start today with just a few questions!

Ready to put an Awaken Leadership Solutions coach to the test? Schedule a consultation today.

Aaron Einfeld