Before you hire a coach you might want to work with, it’s time to find out whether they’re the right fit for you.
Key Takeaways for what do before you hire a coach
| If you only have a minute | |
| Consider why leadership matters to you | Reflecting before you hire saves time and money and leads to a better match. |
| Know your learning style | Decide whether you prefer reflection, structure, or a mix. |
| Clarify your goals and values | Clear goals help you find a coach who delivers relevant results. |
| Assess readiness | Be honest about your openness to feedback and change. |
| Next step | Once you’ve clarified your needs, ask the right questions to vet potential coaches. |
Here are a few questions to help you get ready before you hire a coach. The best coaching relationships begin with clarity—about how you learn, what motivates you, and what kind of support you need. Research in Harvard Business Review shows that the most effective coaching starts with self-awareness—knowing how you think and learn before working with a coach.
Nearly all coaches ask questions to spark reflection and reveal insight. If you want to find the best coach for you, start by doing the same. These seven questions will help you clarify your needs and expectations before you begin interviewing prospective coaches.
If you haven’t yet narrowed your search, explore what kind of coach is right for you—their background, specialty, and coaching style. The earlier posts in this series can help you identify what matters most before you invest in coaching.
1. What is my learning style?
Do you prefer to a) learn structured material from teachers, b) reflect on past experiences, or c) focus on the future through self-learning and discovery?
Your answer points toward whether an approach like coaching vs teaching vs therapy fits you best.
2. How open am I to suggestion and change?
If you value independence and dislike being told what to do, you may prefer a non-directive coach who helps you find your own answers. If you welcome feedback and practical ideas, a more directive or mixed coaching style may suit you better.
3. What are my goals for coaching?
Imagine six months from now. What do you want to be able to do that you can’t do today?
Clear goals for leadership coaching help you evaluate whether a coach’s experience aligns with the outcomes you want.
4. Why are these goals important to me?
Connecting your goals to a deeper purpose keeps you motivated when coaching gets uncomfortable. Knowing your ‘why’ helps clarify why hiring a coach could accelerate your growth.
5. What is it worth to me—in time and money—to get the results I want?
Coaching is an investment. Reflect on how much time you can realistically dedicate and what resources you’re willing to commit. A clear budget and schedule for leadership coaching prevent frustration later.
6. How willing am I to be honest and transparent—with myself and with a coach?
Lasting growth requires candor and confidence. Ask yourself whether there are topics you avoid, even though they may hold you back. Your readiness to confront uncomfortable truths will influence the pace and depth of your progress.
7. What will happen if I don’t reach my goals?
Facing the cost of inaction often clarifies priorities. Understanding what’s at stake helps you measure how important coaching truly is right now.
Use Your Answers Before You Hire a Coach to Sharpen Your Search
Answering these seven questions before you hire a coach will help you clarify what kind of support will help you most. If you need space and validation, look for a coach who emphasizes listening and reflection. If you’re ready to move quickly, seek someone who offers both empathy and direction.
When you know what you want, you’ll be able to describe your desired results clearly and evaluate whether a coach has helped others achieve similar outcomes.
Keep Learning: How to Find a Coach Series
Before you hire a coach, explore the full How to Find a Coach series to understand what kind of support fits your goals and learning style:
- Why Hire a Coach, and How to Find the Right Coach for You
- What Business Coaching Is and Why It Works: The Proven Science That Helps Good Leaders Get Even Better
- Coaching vs Teaching vs Therapy — What Is Better for Me?
- If You Can’t Find a Good Mentor, Get a Great Coach: How We Really Learn at Work
- Executive Coaching vs Leadership Coaching: What Is Better for Me?
Every great leader keeps learning. Explore more about leadership coaching and discover how to find the right coach who can guide your next level of growth.
