Rate your coach

It can be a daunting choice when looking for a suitable executive coach as anyone can call themselves a coach and there are no standards for those with so-called coaching qualifications.

It is not unusual for us to meet people whose experience of coaching has been depressing and de-motivating - the opposite of what is should be - and where the coach just urges them to work harder, faster or longer. Coaching is about creating your own space where you can think about the issues, strategy or vision, where you are less frantic but more effective.

If you already have an executive coach or have used one in the past then please take a moment to reflect on your coaching experience.

During the coaching session does your coach

• focus on your issues
• ask you explore solutions to your problems
• challenge your assumptions
• listen more than speak

After the coaching session

• do you feel motivated to resolve the problems you have addressed
• do you feel energised
• do you have a clear view of how to move forward
• have you identified likely difficulties and how to tackle them

If not then you need to talk to us about real executive coaching.