You have a lot of options when it comes to your education to become a coach. The real question is “What is the best option for you?” And of course it comes right back to you. What is your time frame to become a coach? How much time can you dedicate each day to pursuing your dream of becoming a coach? What areas of specialization interest you? What experiences in your life have prepared you to become a great coach?

What Life Lessons Can You Share?

Your life experiences and the lessons that you have learned from them are at the heart of your education to become a coach. Without the bumps and broses, and the insights that come from them, you just don’t have the wisdom to coach effectively. Look to your passions and your life experiences to guide your selection of an area of specialization. Without passion, you will soon tire of your work as a coach. Without genuine life experiences, your coaching will not ring true and you will lack the credibility to move your clients to action.

Insist on Science in Your Education to Become a Coach

Whichever coaches training you choose, insist that it be based on solid scientific principles. Coaching is not a matter of hype. And it is not a matter of “mumbo-jumbo.” Look for a strong emphasis on NPL and use of statistically proven assessment tools. Courses can be offered in the classroom, or over the internet using videos and conference calls. But always insist on the science.

Learn to Coach by Coaching and Being Coached

Finally, I believe that the single most important item to look for in choosing education to become a coach is the amount of coaching and being coached which is included in the program, and which is assessed based on objective standards. There is no substitute for coaching and being coached. You should expect to focus on a single aspect of coaching over an eight to ten week period with five sessions of coaching and five sessions of being coached by fellow students each week of the program. Also insist on coaching and being coached by your instructors each week as well. I also recommend recording these calls using a conference bridge, for later review and evaluation. So there you have it. Based on your personal experiences and passions, select an area of coaching. Look for scientifically based training. Insist on lots of coaching and being coached, and you really can’t go too far wrong.

Hope you took some great value out of this post today! I’d love to hear your feedback, so make sure you leave a comment with your thoughts or questions. And also, you can click on the Twitter button below to retweet this article… Thank you!

Dave Iuppa
JTS Advisors Strategy and Accountability Coach