How to Choose a Coach

Now more than ever, savvy business owners, managers, and senior executives are discovering the benefits of working with a coach. Whether top performers looking to accelerate their progress, entrepreneurs navigating the rugged terrain of self-employment, or new managers learning the interpersonal complexities of their work, smart business people are reaching the same conclusion. Mentoring fuels success.

Call it coaching or call it mentoring.

Either way, it's a process that helps you better know yourself, deal more effectively with others, and become your own best advocate. Here are a few of the outcomes you can expect:

• Improved workplace communication skills.
  
  
  
  
• Better, more effective strategies for working with customers, clients, peers, supervisors, and direct reports.
  
  
• A view of yourself as others see you — so that you can build upon your strengths and minimize areas of weakness.
  
  
• Greater satisfaction from work.
  
  
• Improved balance between work and home life.
  
  
• Discovery of untapped skills and talents — so you can make full use of them.
  
  
• Better business and career path decisions.
  
  
• Accelerated leadership skills development.

No two mentors are alike. Choose wisely.

It's a wise move to invest in a coach or mentor. Finding a coach is easy; finding one with the skills, background, and personality that's right for you is another matter. At a minimum, expect the following qualifications:

• Able to quickly establish rapport and develop a trusting, positive relationship.
  
  
• An effective communicator.
  
  
• Unafraid to confront you with constructive feedback.
  
  
• Both approachable and available.
  
  
• Has a sophisticated understanding of people and relationships.
  
  
• Respects the sensitive and confidential nature of the coaching relationship.

It's a fact. With the right feedback and guidance, there's no limit to the level of success you can achieve.

About the Author

Liz Bywater, PhD, is a consultant and coach to corporate executives, professionals, and independent business owners. She consults, writes, and speaks on a variety of work-related topics, including workplace performance, outstanding leadership, effective communication skills, and work-life balance.

Dr. Bywater sits on the advisory board for Par Excellence magazine and is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Society for the Advancement of Consulting, the Cornell Entrepreneur Network, and Women Inventing Next. She is quoted frequently in the media and has been interviewed by the Wall Street Journal, the New York Times, and USA Today.

To learn more, visit her at www.BywaterConsultingGroup.com. To subscribe to her complementary e-newsletter, filled with practical tips for improving performance, send an email to info@BywaterConsultingGroup.com.