The Criteria People Use to Choose a Coach

“When asked to indicate the most critical considerations for coach selection, respondents cited previous coaching experience and credentials and certifications as the most important qualifications for external coach practitioners (Figure 7).”

When choosing a coach, professionals prioritize certain qualities to ensure they find the right fit. We’ve noticed physician coaching clients are not much different. According to recent survey data, two key factors stand out: previous coaching experience and credentials and certifications. For individuals and organizations seeking coaching, these qualifications are viewed as the most critical indicators of a coach’s effectiveness. Experience in coaching builds credibility, while certifications reassure clients of a coach's formal training and adherence to professional standards. In this article, we explore the top criteria people use to choose a coach.

Top Criteria for Selecting a Coach

The survey produced by the Human Capital Institute and International Coaching Federation, Building Strong Coaching Cultures for the Future, found that previous coaching experience and credentials and certifications were important to almost half of respondents, while one-third indicated industry knowledge as being the third most important deciding factor. 

1. Previous Coaching Experience (54%)

Experience is the top consideration, with over half of respondents identifying it as a key factor. Physicians and healthcare leaders want a coach who has a proven track record of supporting growth and overcoming challenges in a clinical environment.

2. Credentials and Certifications (48%)

Credentials and certifications ranked closely behind experience, as these validate a coach’s expertise. Certification from recognized bodies, such as the International Coaching Federation (ICF), signals a commitment to standards and ethics in coaching, which is especially important in healthcare settings.

3. Industry Knowledge (34%)

Familiarity with the healthcare industry is another valued quality. Coaches who understand the unique pressures, demands, and expectations in healthcare can provide more targeted guidance to physicians.

_{Filipkowski, PhD, Jenna, et al. Building Strong Coaching Cultures for the Future. Human Capital Institute and International Coaching Federation, 12 Nov. 2019.}

Additional Considerations

For smaller organizations, the coaching method (in-person, virtual, or telephone) is a significant factor, as they may need flexibility in how coaching sessions are conducted. However, aspects such as coach-specific training, standard rates, knowledge of the coachee's functional area, geographic location, and educational background are viewed as less crucial in the selection process. While credentials and experience are essential, practical and logistical factors like specific training or rate may be secondary.

For physicians seeking a coach, this insight emphasizes the importance of finding a coach with a credible training background combined with the life experience of a physician. These factors lead to a more effective coaching relationship in alignment with the physician’s professional goals and the high standards required in the healthcare field. 

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Source:

Filipkowski, PhD, Jenna, et al. Building Strong Coaching Cultures for the Future. Human Capital Institute and International Coaching Federation, 12 Nov. 2019.