Question

I needed to find some good executive coaches - how do I locate one?

Answer

Good question. You could always look in the phone book, businessdirectory, ask friends, etc. If I was looking for an executive coach,however, I would begin by contacting one or all of the following coachingorganizations. Coaching is a relatively new profession and just aboutanyone can call him- or her- self a "coach" (or "executive" coach). Assuch, I would want to consider prospective coaches that have at the veryleast affiliated with a professional peer association - this is a preliminary indication of a commitment to professionalism. To my knowledge,there are four professional coaching organizations and they are:

1. International Coach Federation 1-888-ICF-3131 www.coachfederation.org
   (the ICF has a searchable, online, coach-referral database)
2. Professional Coaches and Mentors Association 1-714-220-9431
3. Professional and Personal Coaches Association 1-415-522-8797
4. International Coaching Society 1-619-282-5760

Before hiring an executive coach, I would recommend asking some or all of the following questions:

Do you adhere to a code of ethics? What are your qualifications to be an executive coach? What did you do before coaching? Do you have an established grievance policy? What association(s) are you a member of? How many executives have you coached in the last year? Is executive coaching your specialty or your only specialty? What if we start working together and then decide it isn't working, what would you do? (best answer is refer you to another coach and refund any unused fee). How do I find the rightcoach for me? (best answer would be to talk with a few other coaches before deciding on one). What services are provided if I become a client? How will know that your services are making a difference? What is your philosophy on coaching? What kind of training have you had in executive coaching?

Listen for answers that make sense, reveal a commitment to professionalism, and reflect an unconditional regard for the client. Remember, this person is going to be reflecting on, supporting, and hopefully challenging, your actions, your thinking, and your progress. Ultimately, you want a coach that you feel comfortable with and have confidence in - a role model, perhaps? Judge wisely, but keep in mind that there are over 2000 coaches out there looking for opportunities to coach!

5/11/98

John E. Glass, Ph.D., is a sociological practitioner with over 11 yearsexperience as a consultant, educator, counselor, educator, and researcher.He is on the Board of the American Academy of Sociological Practitioners, on the faculty of the Institute for Integral Development, a member of the Sociological Practice Association, and a member of the International Coach Federation.
Behavioral Dynamics Consulting, "Stay Whole, Feed Your Soul", 3520 Cedar Springs Avenue, Suite B, Dallas, Texas 75219, Voice: 214.526.8676    Fax: 214.526.0500