How do I select a coach?
Ensuring you have the right coach for you is critical to the success of coaching. The information below may support your own selection process.

The CIPD (UK) suggest some areas that HR practitioners should consider when selecting coaches:

Appropriate level of coaching experience	Breadth of tools, techniques, models
Relevant business/industry experience	Understanding of boundaries and approach to referral
References	Relevant qualifications and training
Background of the coach	Professional indemnity insurance
The coach participates in supervision (a formal, independent process of reflection and review)	Membership of professional bodies - members adhere to codes of conduct and ethics with associated complaints procedures

Qualities/personal characteristics of effective coaches:

Self-awareness and self-knowledge	Ability to design an effective coaching process
Clear and effective communication skills	Ability to assist goal development
Relationship-building skills	Ability to motivate
Flexibility of approach	Ability to encourage new perspectives
Listening and questioning skills	Ability to identify significant patterns of thinking and behaving
Ability to challenge and give feedback	Ability to establish trust and respect
Ability to promote action	Ability to build resilience

JARVIS, J (2004) Coaching and buying coaching services, a guide. London, CIPD