First and foremost, only partner with a coach certified by the international Coach Federation, a global governing body that ensures that all ICF coaches abide by a strict code of conduct prioritizing confidentiality and ethical coaching practices. 

Second, reflect on your introductory call with your coach and determine if this is someone you would like to work with long term. 

Third, what kind of education, experience and background do they have and did you leave that first call with fresh perspectives or insights you had not considered in the past?

Your ability to take actionable insights from your calls and put into practise and experiment to see what is working and what is not is at the heart of an optimal coaching relationship. Successful coaching conversations have the potential to shape new outcomes and transform the workplace.

Your coach is trained to help you look at the bigger picture to zero in on those areas most important to you so you can approach those challenges with greater clarity and passion.

You are encouraged to reflect at the beginning of each call on what is working and  what you would like to change? Maintaining open lines of communication is key to the success of a multi-year coaching partnership.

I do not make guarantees and do make sure we focus on those aspects that are within a client’s control. You are always in the driver’s seat and are able to tap into new ways of doing things and sensemaking.