Coaches are not psychologists or psychiatrists; they don’t just give advice nor do they do the work for you. A coach is more like a mentor, a guide to your own truth, someone with whom you apprentice.  In our culture, coaching used to show up more often in the arts (e.g., a vocal coach), sports, and certain crafts (e.g., carpentry). 

In the same way that a Saturday afternoon jogger who has no desire to improve her/his technique (run longer distances, or compete with others) has no need to employ a coach, it likewise makes no sense to bring on a coach if you’re not up to something like:

• making more money
• relating to people better
• managing your time
• staying on track with what’s most important
• maintaining balance
• developing your spiritual life, etc.

From the outside, coaching looks a lot like help at making choices about what to do and how to achieve certain goals. Actually, that is advice, which is great. However, you probably get plenty of that without it making any difference.

Coaching makes such a profound difference because of the access your coach provides to what is hidden from your view of yourself, your habits, and your thinking.  A coach is a beacon through the fog of self-help. And yet, where most of us go when we want different results is to consult with the same person who got you the results you’re already getting, namely yourself.

A good coach will not take you as client unless you are coachable.  The best way to determine if you are coachable is to ask yourself, “Do I value direct communication intended to make a difference for me?”  You may not want direct communication in your life, and that’s OK; it’s just not conducive to coaching.   

Take our  Survey: “Are you Coachable?”

The most important criterion when choosing a coach is this: When you are with your potential coach, notice if she/he asks questions, the answering of which makes a difference, that is, shifts your perspective of you for you.  In other words, regardless of whether or not it feels good, is it good for you? 

For your fresh new perspective, take advantage of the one-on-one Expert Coach Complimentary Session with Doc Kettelhut. Download this Gift Certificate and schedule your call today!

Doc Kettelhut

doc@jonesassociatesinc.com