When hiring a coach two key areas are typically considered: relevant expertise and coaching methodology.
The expertise sought will be determined by a combination of education and experience. Specifically, subject matter expertise is sought.
- The pro of subject matter expertise is that a coach is aware of
various considerations and will know what to ask. - The con is that the experience may get in the way of a client discovering their own solution because the coach may influence the client with questions or may step out of the coaching role and instead give advice.
- Alternatively, if a coach lacks subject matter expertise the pro is that they will be completely curious and ask questions which set the client up for explaining it clearly.
- On the con side, if a coach lacks subject matter expertise then they will be unaware of various barriers and considerations.
The ideal is for the coach to know enough to be up to speed quickly with the client without knowing so much that they “know” the answer.
Because Health and Wellness Coaching encompasses such a broad spectrum of knowledge areas, it is up to the coach to define and declare their niche area(s) and provide a bio summarizing their experience.
Coaching methodology is developed through coach training and experience. At a minimum an individual promoting themselves as a coach has a basic certification and is a member or working toward membership in the ICF.
