How to Choose a Coach Who’s Right for You

There are times in our lives that we need someone to look up to — a person who will help to keep us motivated and progressing in a positive manner. It is for this reason that many people choose to seek the help of a mentor or coach to aid in their development.

Here are some ways on how to choose a coach that fits your needs.

Identify an Accomplished Person

The first step in finding a mentor or coach is to determine a person that you believe has the qualities that will benefit you the most. One of the best ways to do this is by choosing a person who is known for his accomplishments.

After all, if someone is noted for his ability to be successful, then there is a good chance that he has what it takes to achieve certain goals. In addition, you should consider a person who has similar interests so that there'll be a good connection when exchanging ideas.

Ask Around

Another way to ensure that you are matched up with the right coach is to ask your friends and family if they know anyone who meets your criteria. You may find that there are members of your family that will be willing to help you stay on track and reach your goals. Even if this is not the case, they may know others who would be willing to take on the role of a mentor.

Meet the Coach

Once you have a person in mind as a potential mentor, meet up with that individual. It will give you the opportunity to get a feel of his coaching style. At this phase, it is important to ask specific questions regarding the ways that he will be able to aid you on your journey.

Every mentor is going to have his own method and you need to ensure that you can adapt to that approach. You will find that some mentors take a passive approach when coaching by allowing his students to take the reins. Others, meanwhile, may be more active in making decisions.

Give It A Go

After you have decided on a mentor, it will be time to give that person a trial run. You should do this before you commit to a long-term contract.

There will be coaches who will want to sign you up for an extended coaching plan right from the start. Keep in mind that it is important not to commit before you have found the best fit. Only after you have determined that the mentor will be able to provide the proper guidance should you commit to a contract. At this stage, if you have any doubts about the mentor's abilities, consider trying a different person.

Stay With It

A mentor’s help can only go so far. In the end, it will still be up to you. To make the most of the situation, follow the instructions of the mentor. Make sure that you do your best so that the effort of your mentor will not be in vain. You'll be surprised at how quickly you'll begin to see results.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that enlisting the help of a coach can be a great way to find your path in life. However, there are some things to keep in mind before committing to a contract. To find the best candidate for a coach, try seeking out individuals that are very accomplished. This is a good indicator that he will be a positive model.

In addition, make sure that they are familiar with your goals and that you share similar interests. After you have found a possible mentor, give it a trial run. If it goes well, stick with that person. Take note of these steps and you will be able to find a mentor that suits your needs and who can guide you on the path to success.

See Also: 7 Reasons successful people have mentors and you should too