How to choose a Coach or Coach Supervisor? The “Chemistry” session, and how to prepare What do people use to choose, possibly, their most important learning partner? My sense is not very much. I hear clients say they looked on a website or reviewed some CV’s. Maybe they then have a “Chemistry” session to see if they are a match or not. Interestingly, coaches and/or coach Supervisors that are easy to get on with or overly generous may not be the right choice “Am I being paid just to be kind” Here are some thoughts on what to look for, what to ask and how to explore the topics that may reveal a good or a bad “Chemistry” (fit). 1) Qualifications; some people pay a lot of attention to formal qualifications, so, why not ask what they are? I know many coaches and supervisors, in private practices, charging money that have no formal qualifications and limited experience. Is this important? Maybe not, but with the plethora of coaches that have sprung up in the last few years, I do think there is a value in some formal qualification or accreditation or certification. That’s not a guarantee, but at least aspects like “Do no Harm” should be assured with formal training and experience. 2) Experience; in the early years of Coach and coach Supervision there were no courses to really do, or they were far away in the UK or the USA. Many of these people therefore built up their knowledge through experiential learning, which is probably the only way to really gain command of these “Inside out” learning methodologies. I would put a lot of emphasis on the experience aspects, not necessarily in the same field, and especially over many years, even if they are not formally qualified. Some of this experiential learning takes a while to mature and balance out; so long experience is usually better. 3) What professional bodies are they associated with, affiliated to, members of. In South Africa, currently, the ICF (International Coach Federation) or Comensa (Coaches and Mentors of South Africa) are the two dominant professional bodies. Internationally there are a lot more. If the coach or supervisor is associated with one of these organisations then there is usually agreement to a code of ethics, confidentiality, professionalism, and standards. As such an errant coach or supervisor could be sanctioned or expelled for breaking any of these agreements. It also gives clients or coaches a place to go if they feel an independent view is required on any issue or in case of conflicts arising. 4) What is the core philosophy of your coaching and/or coach supervision? How could they briefly describe their coaching philosophy, how broad or narrow do you look. 5) Do they do business or corporate coaching or coach supervision if needed, and how do we handle tri-party situations? 6) Can you do organisational, virtual coaching (telephonic, skype), group and/or team coaching or coach supervision or team facilitation if applicable. 7) Are you an accredited Enneagram practitioner and how can you use that to help me, if needed? 8) How should I prepare before the first and every subsequent session? 9) How do we agree the rules around confidentiality? 10) How will you give me feedback? 11) How will we review progress and how do we handle constructive feedback, to both parties, during or after sessions? 12) What is the contract you use? 13) How flexible are times and dates? 14) What are the requirements to change or cancel a session at short notice? 24hrs or 48hrs? 15) Do you have references I can contact? What to consider if a Coach or Coach Supervisor has been allocated to you: 1) Be open and honest about the fact that you did not have any choice and that you were allocated to this person 2) Tell them about your feelings, concerns, resistances 3) What are the possible complications or implications of this arrangement? 4) Will it prevent open, honest and probing sessions?, or can the reservations be overcome 5) How does it affect confidentiality? 6) Be specific about the roles and responsibilities of each party, including, if relevant, the organisation or persons who set it up like this. 7) If, at the end of the discussion either party feels that the coach or coach supervision relationship cannot be established or respected, then it is important to call that early on and make another arrangement, either with someone you can work with or to not progress this opportunity at this time. After the “Chemistry” session ask yourself; 1. Did I feel relaxed, at ease and able to fully open up honestly and without reservation? 2. Did I feel connected and tracked by the coach or supervisor? 3. Did they challenge me to think in a different way (thinking in the same way got you where you are) 4. Did I feel I could learn from this coach or supervisor? 5. Do I respect their opinions or did their comments make no sense to me? 6. Did they answer my questions, concerns or issues fully and to my satisfaction? 7. Did this person have a sense of humour to keep sessions light and fun while learning and being challenged? 8. Did I respect them for what they know or who they are or how they engage? 9. Did the chemistry feel right? 10. Do you have any reservations? 11. Can you commit 110% to this person?