Finding the right coach is a bit like dating, if there is no chemistry, the relationship just isn’t going to work out. So before you commit to working with any coach you should have what we in the biz call a chemistry meeting.
A chemistry meeting is two ways, a chance for both you and the coach to see if the fit, or chemistry between you, is right.

1. Does the coach have the skills and experience to help you with your goals – ask about other clients they’ve worked with and results they’ve gotten.
2. Does the coach understand what you want to get out of coaching – they should be able to summarise this back to you.
3. Do you feel like your coach gets you, and makes you feel a tiny bit uncomfortable because a coach that doesn’t challenge you isn’t going to get you far.

I said that the chemistry meeting is two ways. A coach is looking for the same three things as you and one more, they are looking to see if coaching is the right thing for you right now. Sometimes people aren’t yet ready to make a change.

I see this a lot when organisations asks me to come in and coach their people. An individual has been offered coaching but when I meet them it’s clear they don’t get why or the organisation is trying to use coaching as a way to deliver feedback it’s not comfortable to give. Feedback is not something to delegate to others, especially when it’s that critical.

Or sometimes people are not in a resourceful state and instead would benefit from counselling or therapy first before working with a coach.

Coaching is a massive investment of time and money so you want to make sure that it is going to be worth it and that’s why chemistry meetings are so important.

And here are 11 questions you could ask your coach in a chemistry meeting.

Give me a shout with your questions – my inbox needs some love – jude@thinkwithjude.com