Coaching. It's out there. It seems like everyone's doing it. But is it doing any good? If you're like most of us, you've been hearing a lot about coaching over the past while. But what's it really all about and how do you help someone find a good coach?

What's it all about?

Fundamentally, coaching is about improving outcomes through a guided, personal discovery process. In that sense, it has been around for a very long time, captured in the ancient relationship between teacher and student, sage and novice, master artisan and apprentice. In the current business environment, many people want to know how to improve their effectiveness at work, and more and more often, they are thinking about finding a coach to assist them.

You might be trying to help someone else find a coach, or you might be looking for one yourself; where you go and how you get there is going to depend on identifying the kind of coaching you need and then finding the right person for you. Broadly speaking, there are three approaches to coaching frequently used in organizational and business contexts, and each serves a different need.

The Olympic Coach or "Personal Trainer": This is the coaching model in which the coach uses a variety of motivational techniques, but who above all is persistent in focusing the individual on following through on his/her development plans and commitments.

The Strategic or Business Coach: In this model, the coach uses advice, counsel and wisdom to help the individual, usually a senior manager or executive, with decisions around strategic business issues.

The Personal Effectiveness Coach: In this model, the coach uses insight into the individual's personal style, combined with knowledge of human behaviour, to facilitate changes in behaviour that derive from insight into self and others. While personal issues may enter the equation, the focus is primarily on behaviours that impact the individual's effectiveness at work.

A fourth approach we're currently hearing more about is that of Life Coach. This approach shares some similarity with both the Olympic and Personal Effectiveness models, but the focus tends to be much broader than the workplace, which is where most organizational coaching programs focus.

How can you help people find what they need?

First, do some research. Talk to folks who have used coaching services in the past (e.g., colleagues, your HR department, professional networks, etc.).

• What has their experience been?
• Is there anyone they would recommend? Why?
• Is there anyone they would avoid in future? Why?

Second, do some more research. Search the web. Talk to a few individuals or firms who provide coaching services. Find out what they do and how they do it.

• How long have they been providing coaching services?
• What is their background and experience?
• What sorts of individuals or groups do they typically work with (e.g., professionals, executives, middle management, etc.)?
• Which of the three models described above most closely reflects their approach?
• What organizations have they provided these services for? What do current or past organizations/clients have to say about them?
• What commitments are they willing to make to you (or your organization) as a potential client?
• What about confidentiality? Cost? Time? Process?
• Who do you think is a good match for your organization's culture, style, etc.? Who do you think you can trust?

Third, here are some questions you can suggest to individuals seeking a coach, to help them think about what they want - they may not know exactly what their coaching needs are at this point, but with a bit of reflection they probably have a general idea.

• Why are you thinking about getting a coach?
• What is driving this? What doesn't feel right?
• What "kind" of coach are you likely to feel most comfortable with?
  • Male or female?
• Young and energetic or more seasoned and reflective?
• Someone from your business sector or professional background?
• What about your personal values and belief system? What role does that have for you as you consider a prospective coach?

Finally, help the individual weigh the information gathered, to identify the coach who seems like the best "fit" for the need you're trying to address. And remember, if it doesn't turn out to be a good fit, learn what you can from the experience and try another coach.

Whether it's you or someone else who is looking for a coach, recognize that coaching is not something done "to" or "for" you. The coach is an important part of the equation, but a successful experience requires your energy, interest and follow-through. If you're not serious about making some changes right now, save your effort and money until the timing is better for you.

If you are interested in learning more about our approach to coaching, give us a call at 416-491-8385. We'd be pleased to have a conversation with you.