EP 26 Executive Coach: Finding the Right One

When you first connect with a coach or coaching company, they should offer you a free discovery call. A great coach will assess where you are, pinpoint key areas for improvement, and give you actionable steps to take right away. What you don’t want is a coach or company that only pushes their system without considering your specific needs. They are not coaching, they are selling. 

First you should have a discovery call. Look for these things. 

1.      They Ask About You as a Whole Person: A great coach will ask about your balance, your long-term vision, and the challenges you face across your life.

2.      They Assess Quickly and Effectively: They use their knowledge to craft a plan that fits YOU, not a cookie-cutter approach.

3.      They Provide Immediate Value:  If they’re holding back and only promising results once you pay, that’s a concern.

4.      They Are Your Guide, Not Your Friend: A good coach isn’t there to be your buddy. They will push you, challenge you, and hold you accountable, but they will never belittle or threaten you.

Red Flags of bad coaching: 

·        If they don’t take the time to understand you, they’re not the right fit.

·        If they’re trying to upsell you without providing real value first, walk away.

·        If the person selling you coaching isn’t the one coaching you, be cautious.

·        If they rely on fear, guilt, or pressure tactics to get you to commit, that’s a problem.

The Cost of Bad Coaching:

I’ve had clients come to me after working with other coaching companies that did more harm than good. I had one client who was charged double what I charge, and all they got were two short calls a month, where they were berated for not meeting unrealistic expectations.  They were threatened with statements like “I’m going to have to tell the head coach to give you a call now, you didn’t do your work.” 

That’s not coaching. That’s just threats, aggressive ways to force you to change instead of understanding you as a person and working with your strengths, weaknesses and specific needs. Bad coaching costs you time, momentum and often can alter your behaviors in negative ways even leaving you with more self-doubt and loss of confidence.   

A great coach understands your journey, your struggles, and what’s really holding you back. They help you create a sustainable plan that works for your life and business, not just a system that worked for someone else.

What to look for in a coach. 

1.      Schedule a Discovery Call: See how they listen and respond to you.

2.      Ask the Right Questions: How will they help you? What specific steps will they have you take?

3.      Trust Your Gut: You should feel heard, understood, and motivated after that first conversation.

4.      Look for a Whole-Person Approach: The best coaches consider your business, personal life, strengths, and weaknesses.

5.      Avoid the Hard Sell: If they’re pushing a program without listening to you first, that’s a red flag.

If you’re ready to take the next step in finding the right coach, visit www.descoaching.com and reach out. Even if we don’t work together, I’d love to help you with a one-on-one conversation to point you in the right direction. Coaching is about real change, real accountability, and real growth.

Reach out at coaching@descoaching.com.