Hi Jim,
These are some of the toughest questions for someone wondering if they could become a coach. We will start with the simplest answers, and work towards the harder ones!
- To my knowledge, most places don't have any specific qualifications for calling yourself a coach (check in your state/province.) Many coaches opt for voluntary certification through the IAC or ICF (search on google to find those.)
- As to what *qualifies* you...There are several things that can qualify you...Some of the things could include (generally, the more of these, the better!):
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Background as a successful businessperson, consultant, professional, entrepreneur, etc.
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Background in self-development
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Background in education, training, management or mentoring
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Have achieved success in your own life
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You are a good listener
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You aren't out to change anybody (but you enjoy and are good at facilitating the evolution of others)
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You are good at seeing the unseen
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You are good at seeing the obvious
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Many other specific qualities that can go into a good coach
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Specific coach training
- How do you feel confident as a coach? That is a much tougher question. I concentrate on:
I know I am doing it right when it feels good and is energizing and evolutionary for myself and the client.
Many of these questions are handled in David Woods CoachStart Manual.
Hope that helps!
