The coaching industry has grown incredibly in the last couple of years and the number of coaches on the market continues to grow. Outside of the sports world, more people are now starting to understand the value of being coached in a different context, whether it be in life, business, relationship or health.
For many coaches like myself, the path to becoming a coach starts with a curiosity and interest in helping others, often with a focus on personal and professional development—both for themselves and others. If you’ve been thinking of becoming a coach but aren’t quite sure yet, here are a few things to ask yourself before diving headfirst into coaching as a career.
Are you a good listener?
Contrary to popular belief, a coach isn’t someone who doles out advice. Instead, I’ve learned that coaches are actually excellent listeners who know how to ask the right questions to cut through the noise that often shrouds a person’s goal. Coaching involves hours and hours of listening, both actively and—in Transcend terms—actually. So if you’re someone who has trouble focusing on one person or one thing at a time, expect focus and listening to be the skills that you will be deeply cultivating throughout your training as a coach.
Do you like helping people?
The core of coaching is helping people achieve their goals and unlocking their potential. It’s 100 percent about the client, not about you or how great you are at listening, asking questions or otherwise. There’s nothing wrong with being proud of your accomplishments, but if you see coaching as a way of boosting your own ego or reputation, coaching might not be right for you.
Are you willing to put in the time?
Becoming a coach isn’t a quick fix or a career change—it takes proper training and practice to master. From hours in the classroom to multiple at-home assignments, not to mention hundreds of coaching hours needed to earn your official certification, the path to becoming a coach can take a few years. Be patient, make sure you’re in it for the long haul, and you’ll find yourself enjoying every minute of the journey.
Still wondering whether coaching is for you? The best way to find out is to meet with some coaches or learn more about the industry by getting in touch with some coach training academies. In my opinion, as long as you have an interest in coaching, it’s definitely worth looking into.
