On Forbes.com Dr Steven Berglas imparts six tips for anyone looking to hire a business coach.
First, though, he addresses the difficult question of 'what is a business coach?'
Berglas says: "I get that question all the time, and honestly, the answer is pretty squishy. In today's 'helper' economy (as Warren Buffet snidely coined it), a coach can play the role of consultant, shrink, drill instructor, sounding board - whatever 'help' managers, executives and entrepreneurs need to boost their performance, or just get through the night."
On choosing one, he advises: "Start with what, specifically, you think you need. If you want to improve your overall executive comportment, focus on someone who specializes in that."
So onto the six main tips, Berglas says it's important to remember that...
* Coaches aren't paid to make you feel good: Legitimate coaches give incisive criticism and advice on how to improve, so be wary of constant praise.
* Coaches respect boundaries between the professional and personal territories: A coach should never see you as a friend first and employer second.
* Coaches are not meant to act as intermediaries: A coach should not act as a go-between when troubles arise as this actually exacerbates the problems.
* Good coaches don't indulge in gossip: Coaches who gossip are too insecure to be effective.
* You should beware the up-sell: Because a coach has succeeded at improving, say, your public speaking doesn't mean he can improve your management technique.
* Coaches are not life-directors: Berglas explains: "Effective coaches do not hand down wisdom from on high. The best ones offer encouragement, observation and ideas, and let their clients make their own decisions."
Six Tips On Hiring A Business Coach
Steven Berglas, Forbes.com, 04/12/09
