[display_podcast]Thoughts from Sandye Linnetz, Systems Goddess,Process ProdigyIt seems to be the decade of the COACH, doesn’t it? Coaches have long flourished in the corporate world; currently they are much more mainstream and are present to facilitate almost every area of life. You can hire a coach for physical training, personal and spiritual growth, finance, the arts, relationships and, of course, business. Got a problem? Get a coach…When you are looking to hire a coach to help you to acquire new skills or information, get advice or guidance to grow your business or smooth out your life, consider that, just as with any other product, you are making a purchase. By being a good consumer – and doing your homework – you can find a good coach to fit your needs.Keep all of this in mind when “coach shopping” and ask these six important questions:1) What are your credentials? And what do those credentials actually mean? Don’t be intimidated by initials that you don’t recognize. Ask for explanations.2) What is your experience”? Does this coach have sufficient expertise in your area? How long have they been coaching? Who have they coached and in what areas?3) What do other people think of your coaching? Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations, references and testimonials. And follow-up with references… ask questions.4) What are your affiliations? Be wary of a coach who is “sponsored” by or affiliated with a company… and then suggests that you make purchases from that company.5) Can we meet in person? What’s your overall impression? Is this someone who makes you comfortable? Someone you would be willing to accept coaching from?6) What’s your plan for me? How long am I “signing on” for? How often will we meet? What will our sessions be like? How will we evaluate progress? Is there a general plan for the type of coaching I am looking for? Do you use printed materials? What do you charge? Do we have a contract?It may be easiest to look at what good coaches don’t do:They don’t do it FOR you, although they do make suggestions and guide you to look at what you do.They don’t tell you what you SHOULD do. Again, a coach is a guide and generally one who makes suggestions, not rules.They don’t make you wrong. No judging and no threatening. But a good coach will have you look at who you are being and what you are doing… and point out where reevaluation might be necessary.And what does a good coach do?• Empowers you, by listening to you and leading you to discover – for yourself – what’s next, what you want to create• Offers alternative suggestions and view points• Keeps you present and on purpose• Guides you to make good choices• Supports and encourages you to keep your word• Mentors you and follows your development• Leads you to look at your processes, systems, strategies, actions and results• Stays in contact and is available for email and phone times.So find the perfect coach for you… and make it a perfect MATCH! © 2007 Beth Schneider, Process Prodigy, Inc. Want to reprint this article? Feel free as long as you include the following: Beth Schneider, President of Process Prodigy Inc., www.processprodigy.com, along with her team of highly sought after operations consultants, reveals the insider secrets billion-dollar corporations pay thousands of dollars for. Specializing in process creation, the Process Prodigy tools and techniques have helped entrepreneurs increase productivity by as much as 600%, and revenues by as much as 250%. Visit www.processprodigy.com and sign up to receive the Process Prodigy Ezine, "Your Tips" and the FREE Report “How to Save Yourself Time Energy and Money”.
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