CHOOSING THE RIGHT COACH
Question: I'm looking for the services of an executive coach. What is the benefit of using this type of specialist, and how do I find the right one?
Answer: Over the past decade, the coaching profession has seen an influx of people pursuing a career in coaching.
Therefore, as with any service, you must differentiate the qualified professional from those "dabbling"
in what may have been viewed as the latest "fad."
Why? By choosing an accredited coach, you will have that "gold stamp" that assures you of an ethical, effective coach who has proved himself or herself within a particular area of coaching expertise in the corporate or private sector.
-- Alison Griffiths, AC-accredited coach, Dip Psych Coaching, DMS Director, Unicus Coaching & Development
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To gain accreditation by the Association for Coaching (AC), someone has to deliver evidence of the following, all of which must be linked to the AC's extensive coaching competencies:
- Appropriate qualifications in coaching, including a certificate, diplomas and a master's degree in coaching
- Thirty hours of continual professional development per year, in both promoting/training others in coaching and receiving training/development
- A coaching philosophy that incorporates an ethical approach and operating processes
- Evidence of practical experience that exceeds 250 hours ofcoaching
- A case study that illustrates the coaching approach in detail
- Professional referee statements
- Report from a supervisor (who must meet the quality and professional standards outlined by the AC), in essence a testimony to the coach's ability and ethical practice
- Client testimonial
- Evidence of professional indemnity
- Membership in the AC
- Plus all other supporting documentation that demonstrates the coach's standing as a professional coach and contributor to the profession, e.g., publications, additional training, facilitation, public speaking, etc.
The process of finding an accredited coach may seem time-consuming and tedious in its detail. However, the end result assures you of the coach's professional and ethical standing, reputation and processes, and, most of all, proven coaching abilities.
