Being a life coach, just like every other coach, requires that one possess some qualities. Basically, it is those qualities that makes one a successful coach. Some qualities help an individual succeed as a life coach more than others since certification is not required to become a successful life coach.
If you are looking to hire a life coach, here are some qualities you need to look out for.
Great Listening Skills
The number one most important skill for an effective life coach is to be a good listener. Their job is to help you approach your unique situation from different perspectives, so in order to do so, they must have a good understanding of the different factors at play. Active listening is the art of really listening to what someone is saying, without making judgments in your head, thinking about what you’re going to say next, or interrupting them. When choosing a coach, make sure you go with someone who gives you all the time you need to speak without interrupting you and practices active listening by repeating back what you have said.
- Communicates with Clarity
To be an excellent coach it is vital that you communicate well on many levels such as body language, vocabulary and more.
You should always look for a life coach who demonstrates a deep and genuine curiosity about your life and really probes you to get to the nitty-gritty details. This curiosity will lead your coach to a deeper understanding of you and your situation and help them assess the different perspectives and possibilities.
An indifferent coach will not probe you enough to get a clear picture of what’s going on for you, while a curious coach will surprise you with the level of detail they ask you to go into.
Honesty, And Not Judgmental
The world is filled with people who hold different opinions that you don’t agree with. But, in their view of the world, these opinions might be accurate. A good coach leaves her prejudices at the door whenever she walks into a client session and she will never make you feel uncomfortable by judging you. Instead, she will go out of her way to make sure you feel that you are in a safe space and feel comfortable to open up and share your inner world.
Adapts to Your Needs
Good coaches take the time to understand their clients’ communication, learning, organizational, and working styles. This ensures that you will maximize your potential while working with them. Life coaching professionals know that every person is a universe, each with his or her own unique needs and ways of learning, working, communicating, loving, and generally interacting with the world.
It is likely that you are experiencing a lot of confusion about what you want in life and how to get there. This might be the reason you are seeking a life coach. An effective life coaching professional will be able to cut through the fog to help you identify and define the main key goals that will help you lead a more fulfilling and aligned life. They will then help you define a series of strategic, actionable steps that will help you achieve your goals over a set period of time, allowing for implementation and integration.
- Challenges You to Take Action
A good life coach challenges you to step outside your comfort zone. Your coach should push you by taking your goals and stretching them to the point where they feel just a little too big and scary.
Finally, a life coach should be able to see your full potential. Having someone who believes in you and cheers you on every step of the way is incredibly important and motivates you to keep moving forward when you might otherwise give up.
Have you ever worked with a life coach in the past? What was your experience?
My name is Chigozie Japhet. I am a content writer, and a brand strategist. I like writing, reading, researching and watching football, especially my team, Man United. i believe in working hard, and also in relaxation as all work without play, makes Chigozie a dull boy.
