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Choosing the Right Coach: Why They Don’t Need All the Answers

Writer's picture: Laurene KlassenLaurene Klassen

It’s that time of year when gym memberships spike, planners fly off the shelves, and everyone searches for the expert who can help them crush their goals. If you’re considering a personal development coach to guide you to the next level, it’s essential to pause and think about what you truly want in a coach.


Mentor, Consultant, or Coach? Understanding the Difference

Are you looking for someone who is a subject matter expert in a particular field? Perhaps you’re launching a new business and want advice from someone who has successfully done something similar. If that sounds like you, you’re probably not looking for a coach but a mentor. Mentors excel at sharing their experiences. They might walk you through their annual report, explain their successes, and outline the steps they took to achieve them. A mentor’s role is to guide you based on their expertise and achievements.


A consultant, on the other hand, will tell you how to achieve your goal.


But what if you have an idea of where you want to go and need support figuring out how to get there? That’s where a coach comes in.


What Sets Coaching Apart

Be cautious about hiring a coach who claims to be a subject matter expert in everything. Real coaching isn’t about telling you what to do—it’s about helping you determine your best path forward, one that works for you!


A coach’s value lies in their ability to raise your awareness through techniques such as powerful questions, challenging assumptions, and holding space for your growth—not in providing answers.


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What to Look for in a Coach

Since the coaching industry isn’t regulated like counseling, it’s important to look for credentials and formal training when selecting a coach. These days, anyone can call themselves a coach, and their definition of coaching may vary.


Here are a few key things to consider:

  • Accreditation and Training: At a minimum, choose a coach trained by an organization accredited by reputable bodies like the International Coaching Federation (ICF), the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), or the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (iPEC). These organizations uphold rigorous standards to ensure coaches are well-prepared to serve clients effectively.

  • Experience and Supervision: For example, an ICF Associate Certified Coach (ACC) has completed at least 60 hours of classroom training, 10 hours of mentor coaching or supervision, and 100+ hours of client coaching experience with a call evaluated. They’ve also passed a comprehensive exam to demonstrate their competence. Having recently completed this credential, I can assure you it’s a rigorous process!

  • Coaching Philosophy: Look for someone who prioritizes empowering you to find your own answers rather than simply giving advice. If a coach leans too heavily on their life experience or blends coaching with consulting or mentoring without clear boundaries, they may not be delivering true coaching services. This lack of clarity can actually delay your progress toward personal aspirations.


Why the Right Coach Doesn’t Need to Know Everything

A great coach isn’t afraid to say, “I don’t know.” Their role isn’t to be an expert in your industry or your life. Instead, they guide you in exploring your unique challenges and aspirations. Their curiosity, humility, and ability to hold space for you—regardless of their industry knowledge. This lends to creating an environment where transformative breakthroughs can happen.


Remember: the best coach isn’t the one with all the answers. It’s the one who helps you discover them for yourself. Best of luck with all your endeavors! If I can help in any way, feel free to reach out.



 

About Strength & Courage Coaching 


Strength & Courage coaching utilizes The Freedom Framework™ which incorporates listening prayer with traditional coaching modalities to teach you how to lean on God to be your coach in every day situations. Clients may bring their own topics or work through faith-based topics to work through fear, shame, forgiveness, rejection, and develop strategies to integrate newfound freedom into daily living. Coaching packages featuring Life Mapping, goal-setting, or general life coaching are also available. Learn more.

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