The world of coaching can be confusing: from the technical terminology to the sheer variety of choice, many people shy away from it simply because they don’t know where to begin.
The truth, however, is that coaching is far less complicated than it appears. Once you understand the basic forms of coaching that are on offer, the real challenge is in choosing the right coach and the right moment to begin coaching.
At Upskill Coach, we believe coaching should be as accessible as possible. So in this article, we’re going to explain what the process of finding a coach and getting started on your journey is like.
The key is to understand what you want from coaching
Most coaches agree that the best place to start is with intention, and that is why Jo Riches advises that an initial ‘discovery session’ is pivotal. “You need to ask yourself the basic questions upfront,” she says. “What makes you think you need coaching? What are you looking to get out of it?”
Total clarity might not be possible immediately, of course; many people find that the coaching process actually helps them better understand their initial motivation for getting coaching. But consulting directly with an experienced coach will at least help you understand what coaching will be like – and whether it is likely to be something you’ll benefit from.
At Upskill Coach, we offer every coachee a free 15 minute consultation with our experts – to help properly understand your needs and match you with the right coach.
Not every coach is right for you
This matching process is essential, because coaching is only effective when a coachee is able to find a coach that meets their specific needs. Jo says that her discovery sessions are not only about explaining what coaching is like, but also establishing that she is the right fit for her client.
“Coaching involves a lot more than just listening, so I have to feel I’m the right coach to put in that work,” she says. “There has to be a shared sense of trust and safety. It’s really important that people feel they can open up and feel safe to be vulnerable.”
Finding your coach can take time
The reality is not everyone can find the right coach immediately. Many people have a single bad experience and are put off for life.
That is why a service like Upskill Coach is so helpful: by hand-picking the most impactful, qualified coaches across a variety of disciplines, we are able to quickly match individuals with the perfect coach for their needs and develop personalised programs for the maximum possible impact.
Not only does this save time and effort, it provides employers with confidence that they will start seeing real results – and it ensures coachees are paired with a coach they are truly happy with.
