Seven Questions to Ask a Life Coach Before Your First Meeting
/Atlanta and Online Life Coaching for Success
If you google “life coach near me” and start clicking around, you might end up going down the rabbit hole for hours. It can be difficult to hone in on who the right fit for you might be. Curious when you started, now you’re just tired and worn out…maybe even confused. The options and possibilities may seem overwhelming.
Questions to ask a Life Coach
As a life coach providing both virtual and face-to-face services in Atlanta, I made a list of questions that you may want to ask when you’re interviewing coaches. At the end of the conversation, you’ll hopefully have an idea of who the coach is, how they work, and whether or not they truly can help you get where you want to go.
What life areas can you help me with?
Many people who seek coaching initiate the partnership because they are struggling in one of three major life areas: health, relationships, career. Working in any one area will directly influence all others, so professional life coaches become experts in coaching competencies. That expertise allows life coaches to address your being and your life holistically. What needs would you like to address through life coaching?
What are your qualifications?
Coaches aren’t regulated the way that lawyers, counselors, and doctors are. It’s truly a “buyer beware” scenario to hire a coach; anyone can put “coach” on a business card and start to see clients. To invest your resources wisely, find out what sort of training this life coach has. What does competency and professionalism look/feel/sound like to you? How might a life coach’s adherence to a code of ethics be helpful for you?
How do you work with people?
The world of coaching is similar to that of ice cream: there are a variety of flavors to choose from. Some you’ll love, some you won’t. If you’re in Atlanta, I highly recommend Morelli’s salted caramel ice cream. You’ll thank me later. Oh wait — we were talking about life coaching.
Some coaches are all about accountability, while others facilitate growth.
Some coaches offer open-ended agreements, while others work in finite programs.
Some coaches wing it, while others use proven structures and processes to support clients.
Some coaches meet weekly, while others space out their meetings.
Some coaches work nights and weekends, while others keep weekday hours.
The bottom line: How much support do you want and need? What kind of agreement will integrate best into your life? How might challenging your limits be helpful to you?
What kind of investment does it take to succeed?
With the finite amount of time, money, and energy available to you, it’s imperative to find out whether or not you can commit to the investment in life coaching. What kind of boundaries do you have when it comes to your time, money, and energy?
Can my employer / spouse / parent pay for coaching?
Some clients are “sponsored,” which means someone else is responsible for the financial side of the coaching agreement. What provisions does the life coach offer if someone else pays for your coaching?
Is coaching tax-deductible?
This one is easy: please consult a qualified accountant for tax advice. How does the life coach handle situations that are outside of their scope?
Where are you located?
Life coaches, unlike lawyers, counselors, and doctors, may work across state (and even country) lines. Things like time zone may matter here. If you prefer to see a coach in person, the drive time out to work out in your schedule. If you meet with a coach virtually, where will you have the space, time, and privacy to meet?
The last thing I’ll share is this: above all else, trust your gut. Hopefully these questions help you get to know a prospective life coach and choose whether or not they’re the right partner for you. If you’re still not sure, please call me for a free 15-minute consultation. I’d love to hear what’s happening with you and help you connect with the right person who will help you reach your desired outcomes.