Professional coaching associations with ethical codes and coach training programs with certification standards are just beginning to emerge. The majority of persons presently involved in effective coaching have gained their expertise from experience as well as from training in other disciplines. Traditional indicators such as professional association affiliation, degrees, certificates and licenses, which provide the public with some guidance in selecting other types of practitioners, are typically not as plentiful in the coaching profession. However, a set of guidelines for selecting a coach has been developed by the coaches who are members of the International Coach Federation and by Peer Resources. Those guidelines are reproduced here.
Rapport is essential to effective coaching.
Your relationship with your coach is essential to get the results you want. Choose someone with exceptional interpersonal skills. Initial contact can often be made by phone and usually there is no fee for this first contact. Determine how well the coach listens and understands. Experience in your field is not as important as you might think.