Seeking a Coach Who Fits
Cynthia Leslie-Bole, M.A.
Catalyst Coaching and Hummingwords Writing

Are you looking for a life coach in San Francisco or the greater Bay Area? Are you confused about how to differentiate between the hundreds of available coaches so that you can find the person who is exactly right for you? Many people seeking a personal coach get bogged down by scores of generalist coaches who all seem to offer the same services. It’s like Goldilocks finding chairs that are too big or too small before finding one that fits. If that’s the case with you, here is a sound approach that might help you refine your search.

Ask yourself, “What kind of person am I? What are my interests and capabilities, and in what areas do I want coaching?” If, for instance, you are someone who has always had a love of horses and you want to improve your effectiveness as a team member, you may narrow your search by looking for a coach who uses horses as a way of helping people enhance their communication skills. Or if you have always been a writer, whether one who journals or publishes pieces for a larger audience, perhaps you would fit well with a coach who gives writing assignments to help you explore your dreams, clarify your purpose and define your goals.

You can find coaches in almost any area of interest (e.g., starting a business, artistic expression, career planning, writing, women in transition, spirituality, etc.,) by checking the websites of professional association such as San Francisco Bay Area Coaches. After you narrow your search by screening for the focus you desire, you will want to check credentials and review coaches’ websites to see if you resonate with the tone and the content of the sites. Sometimes you can even sense from the coach’s photograph whether he or she seems “simpatico” with your own personality (for example, competent and professional versus informal and approachable).

Once you’ve narrowed your search to a few likely candidates who share your desired focus, you can contact them to ask if they provide complimentary sample sessions to help you determine the appropriateness of the fit and learn how each particular coach would work with you. A sample session gives you a risk-free chance to experience the coaching process first-hand. If at the end of a sample session you feel bored, confused, irritated, or unmotivated, the chemistry between you and the prospective coach is wrong and you should continue your search. If, on the other hand, you come away feeling inspired, empowered, and motivated to continue working with that coach, then you may have found the perfect coach to guide you toward the realization of your dreams and goals.

Good luck finding a coach who fits just right!