Questions to Ask a New Coach
Essential questions to ask when hiring a new coach to ensure they're the right fit for your goals, learning style, and personal development needs.
1What is your coaching philosophy and approach, and how does it align with my goals?
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What is your coaching philosophy and approach, and how does it align with my goals?
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Why this works
Reveals their fundamental approach to coaching and helps you understand if their methodology matches your learning style and objectives.
2What experience do you have working with clients who have similar challenges or goals to mine?
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What experience do you have working with clients who have similar challenges or goals to mine?
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Why this works
Tests their relevant experience and helps you understand if they've successfully worked with people in similar situations.
3How do you structure coaching sessions, and what can I expect from our work together?
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How do you structure coaching sessions, and what can I expect from our work together?
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Why this works
Provides clarity on the coaching process and helps you understand what the coaching relationship will look like practically.
4What is your availability, and how often would we meet or communicate?
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What is your availability, and how often would we meet or communicate?
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Why this works
Ensures their schedule aligns with your needs and helps you understand the frequency and format of your interactions.
5What are your fees, and what does the coaching package include?
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What are your fees, and what does the coaching package include?
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Why this works
Provides cost transparency and helps you understand what's included in the coaching investment.
6How do you measure progress and success, and how will we track my development?
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How do you measure progress and success, and how will we track my development?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to accountability and helps you understand how you'll know if the coaching is working.
7What happens if I'm not making progress or if the coaching relationship isn't working?
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What happens if I'm not making progress or if the coaching relationship isn't working?
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Why this works
Shows their commitment to your success and helps you understand your options if the relationship doesn't work out.
8Do you provide any resources, tools, or materials to support my development between sessions?
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Do you provide any resources, tools, or materials to support my development between sessions?
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Why this works
Reveals the full scope of their coaching support and helps you understand what additional resources you'll have access to.
9How do you handle confidentiality, and what are your boundaries around sharing information?
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How do you handle confidentiality, and what are your boundaries around sharing information?
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Why this works
Ensures you understand privacy expectations and helps you feel safe sharing personal information during coaching.
10What qualifications or certifications do you have, and how do you stay current with coaching best practices?
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What qualifications or certifications do you have, and how do you stay current with coaching best practices?
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Why this works
Tests their professional credentials and commitment to ongoing development in their field.
11Can you provide references from clients who have worked with you on similar goals?
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Can you provide references from clients who have worked with you on similar goals?
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Why this works
Allows you to verify their track record and get firsthand accounts of their coaching effectiveness.
12How do you handle situations where I might be resistant to change or struggling with implementation?
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How do you handle situations where I might be resistant to change or struggling with implementation?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to challenging situations and shows how they support clients through difficult periods.
13What is your policy on communication between sessions, and how quickly do you typically respond?
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What is your policy on communication between sessions, and how quickly do you typically respond?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for ongoing support and helps you understand the level of access you'll have to your coach.
14How do you customize your approach for different personality types or learning styles?
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How do you customize your approach for different personality types or learning styles?
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Why this works
Shows their ability to adapt their coaching style and ensures they can work effectively with your specific needs.
15What happens if I need to pause or end our coaching relationship early?
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What happens if I need to pause or end our coaching relationship early?
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Why this works
Provides clarity on your options and helps you understand the terms of the coaching agreement.
16How do you help clients maintain momentum and stay accountable to their goals?
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How do you help clients maintain momentum and stay accountable to their goals?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to accountability and helps you understand how they'll support your ongoing progress.
17What additional support or resources do you recommend to complement our coaching work?
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What additional support or resources do you recommend to complement our coaching work?
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Why this works
Shows their holistic approach and helps you understand what other tools or resources might support your development.
18How do you handle situations where you might not be the right coach for a particular client?
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How do you handle situations where you might not be the right coach for a particular client?
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Why this works
Tests their professional integrity and shows their commitment to client success over their own business interests.
19What is your approach to goal-setting, and how do you help clients create realistic and achievable objectives?
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What is your approach to goal-setting, and how do you help clients create realistic and achievable objectives?
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Why this works
Reveals their methodology for helping clients set and achieve meaningful goals that drive real progress.
20How do you celebrate successes and handle setbacks with clients?
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How do you celebrate successes and handle setbacks with clients?
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Why this works
Shows their approach to both positive and challenging situations and helps you understand how they'll support you through ups and downs.
Mastering Coach Selection Conversations
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Assess Alignment with Your Goals
Ensure their coaching philosophy and approach align with your specific goals and learning style.
Verify Experience and Credentials
Check their qualifications, experience with similar clients, and commitment to ongoing professional development.
Understand the Full Investment
Get clear on costs, session structure, communication expectations, and what's included in the coaching package.
Question Sequences
The Philosophy Assessment
The Practical Details
Common Pitfalls
Don't Skip the Chemistry Check
Ensure you feel comfortable and connected with the coach. The relationship is crucial for coaching success.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
Pay attention to any concerns about their approach, boundaries, or professionalism. Trust your instincts.
Don't Rush the Decision
Take time to consider all aspects of the coaching relationship. This is an important investment in your development.