It is important to find a coach you that you feel comfortable working with. I have been there. When I first started looking for a coach myself, I spent a lot of time researching online. Fortunately, most coaches will offer a free discovery call where you can ask questions to help with making the decision.

What is a discovery call?

It’s an opportunity for both of us to learn more about each other and ultimately decide whether to go ahead with a coaching programme.

What should I look for in a coach?

If you already know the topic or areas you would like to discuss, then it may be sensible to find a coach with some previous experience working with similar clients. You might also have a preference to work with a coach who has experienced the same situation. Personally, I wanted to find a coach who was living with autism so that I didn’t need to explain common traits and experiences among neurodivergent individuals. But this is just a preference.

A coach does not need to have had the same life experiences to be able to successfully support you. We are all unique, with different backgrounds, beliefs and experiences so it will be difficult to find someone exactly the same as you! In my strengths and values coaching programme we’ll spend time exploring what exactly makes you unique.

What questions should I ask during a discovery call?

In short, you should ask anything that will help you make a decision whether or not to go ahead with working with the coach.

The questions will depend on your individual circumstances, but you might want to know:

1. What training and/or studying have you completed?
2. What experience do you have working with these topics?
3. Do I need to do any preparation before a coaching session?
4. How much work am I expected to do outside of booked sessions?
5. How do I book sessions?
6. What days and times are you available for me to book sessions?
7. What do I do if I am ill and cannot attend a session?

Coaches will have their own ways of working and policies, so it’s worth finding out these things before committing.

What questions will a coach ask me during a discovery call?

It really depends on the coach. Personally, I will be asking some or all of these questions. It’s perfectly fine if you don’t know the answers, but gives me a good start point if you do.

1. What would you like to discuss during coaching sessions?
2. Have you had any coaching before?
3. How long have you been thinking about getting coaching?
4. What would you like to change in your life?

What else happens in a discovery call?

Here’s is the usual agenda I use for a discovery call:

• Introductions
• What coaching is and isn’t
• What you are seeking to gain from coaching
• The role of coaching and benefits it can deliver
• Practicalities
• Any questions
• Next steps

Can I ask my coach for advice?

Coaching does not usually include advice. Coaching is defined as a process created to help you find the solution that best works for you. However, I recognise that sometimes you might want to hear the experiences of others. These experiences may help clarify your thinking to know that others have been in the same situation or have the knowledge that can get you somewhere quicker. Think sports coaches, many of whom were ex-players who can also pass on their experiences to younger players. Some coaches would be happy to provide part ‘mentoring’ or ‘consulting’ in their sessions, but don’t assume this to be the case. If you do receive any mentoring or consulting advice, then do understand that the key word here is that is should only be viewed as ‘advice’. Whilst experiences and advice may be shared during sessions, only you can make the final decision whether to use that knowledge in your unique situation. Do ask about this during the discovery call.

What happens at the end of the discovery call?

Once all questions are answered, then we will discuss the most appropriate next steps to take. I will talk through the options available to you. You do not need to make any decision during the call. The discovery call is a free no obligation opportunity to chat. There no commitment to any further calls afterwards.

Following the end of the call, I will send you an email summarising the key points we discussed. You then decide whether or not you want to go ahead, and also what services you would like to book. I’ll then send you a contract and services description. Once both are signed, then you can book in your first coaching session and we begin!