If this was ten years ago you would not have any trouble choosing a good coaching programme. Today, there are many choices with all sorts of promises too. So be careful.
Being a pioneer in this coaching field, I am duty bound to offer you with some tips on how to choose one that you will not regret. Signing up is easy but this is not all. There are more considerations than just price alone as there are too many people complaining that the coaching programmes they attended are a ‘washout’. This is really sad to see their hopes and plans dash to the rocks all due to the lack of good advice.
So, here are some tips that you should bear in mind before you enroll for one.
Well-Recognised Coaching Body
The first is to choose one that is backed up by a globally recognised coaching body and not simply any others as they might not have reputation, which can affect your standing as a coach.
One leading coaching body today is the International Coach Federation (or ICF), which commands the highest respect in the coaching world that you may want to remember.
Questions to ask are: “Which coaching body is your programme accredited to? What makes yours the best around? What is the membership size of this coaching body?
Competent Coach Trainers
The second consideration is the trainers’ coaching capabilities and qualifications to deliver the programme. If they do not have good practical coaching experience, you will only get the knowledge without solid coaching skills. In the end, there might be only few business opportunities you could leverage on because yours could be of little value to your clients.
Questions to ask are: “Who are the coach-trainer? What is their background? How many years have they been in coaching practice?
Quality of Coaching Programmes
Linked to this is the coaching programme, which is the core. Do not be carried away by its impressive titles for it might mean little. Remember do not judge the book by its cover. Study the contents and how structured it is for easy learning. Check further on the delivery methods on how focused they are in equipping you with the skills, which is more important than coaching knowledge. Some use serious learning while some use games and fun activities.
Questions to ask: What is the content like? What outcomes are expected? How much of it is skill-based learning?
Level of Accreditation Status
Even when there is a good one, check out their level of accreditation as some do not allow for further advancement. One example is there is a difference between an ACSTH and an ACTP status. The latter allows you to take your qualification further for your career growth, while the former does not.
Questions to ask are: “What is your accredited status? If I want to go further does this allow me to? Do you provide exemptions?
Coaching Opportunities
Another consideration is the extent of opportunities to get coaching hours, which is crucial for you to become a confident and competent coach. A large network of peer coaches is necessary to earn your coaching hours.
Look for a coaching school that also creates many opportunities with corporations for you to coach ‘real clients’ too.
Questions to ask: How do I get my coaching hours? How many peer coaches are there? Do you help me to get them?
Post Coaching Support
Even more important is whether you will be supported, not only during your studies but after you have completed. And not only in growing your coaching skills but growing your coaching careers too.
Do not end up be like many students who are left high and dry in a ‘lonely world’ all by themselves.
Questions to ask: “What happens when I finish my studies? What kind of support do you have for me? Do you help me to get clients?
Learning Choices
Lastly, do you have a choice of different packages to choose from that cater to your needs and budget? Some may want full learning support and some may prefer a more ‘free and easy’ one with different price range as well.
Questions to ask: “What types of learning routes are there? What are the different price range? Can I opt for partially guided programme as I already have good coaching skills?
In conclusion, do your ‘due diligence’ so that your journey to become a good coach is smooth and not disrupted by unnecessary pitfalls.
Wishing you well in your journey to be the best coach possible!