10 keys to detect an unprofessional or unprofessional coach

In the last decade there has been a progressive increase in both the supply and the demand for professional coaches. What in its beginnings was considered a profession practically exclusive to the business world, has been democratized and has shown, especially with the development of life coaching or life coaching, which is useful and has room to help in multiple spheres and circumstances, not only of character business.

This wave of growth of coaches is something very positive to strengthen and consolidate this profession, but it has its negative side: as it is not a regulated profession (yet) with an official association such as doctors, psychologists, lawyers... which ensures that certain ethical criteria are met and requires that in order to exercise you must demonstrate certain skills and studies, it has been used by some 'false' coaches to practice as such without having received even minimal training in this regard and, of course, without showing any type of ethics professional.

The consequence of this intrusiveness is not only that a profession in which there are well-trained and qualified professionals who carry out successful coaching processes, but mainly

that they play with the money and time of those who approach them looking for the support or accompaniment they need.

• Related article: "What is Coaching and what is it for?"

How to know if you are dealing with an intruder instead of a professional coach?

As we have mentioned, the client or coachee who wants to hire the services of a coach cannot go to an official association where you can check your membership number that gives you guarantees of professionalism and, even, support you in case of malpractice.

But yes, as a client who wishes to receive a coaching service, you can take into account certain aspects that can help you detect if the coach you are going to is not a professional.

1. It lacks certifications

Although there is no official college of coaches in Spain, there is there are two associations, ICF and ASESCO, which self-regulate the profession by accrediting coaches who meet a series of requirements according to training, experience and skills and ensure compliance with ethical codes in the practice of coaching.

Coaches certified by any of these associations will not hesitate to show their credentials, which is why it is one of the the first things that the coachee can ask his coach to be sure that he will work with ethics and professionalism.

• You may be interested: "Psychology of work and organizations: a profession with a future"

2. He refuses to talk about his training or his training is two days

A coach "has not made himself". He may have a vital experience that helps him to better practice his profession, but to be a professional coach it is necessary to train in some school with extensive accredited courses where it is guaranteed that you learn how to do a coaching process and there are hours of practice tutored. Of course, a weekend course, as shown by some false coaches, does not allow you to achieve these skills at all.

• Related article: "The 13 types of learning: what are they?"

3. Does not explain how the coaching process is going to be measured

Every coachee has the right (and almost the obligation) to ask for all the pertinent information about how the process is going to be, the guidelines and parameters that are going to be followed, the time agreement, rates, etc. In fact, a professional coach will be the one to make the first move and present his client with this agreement before he asks for it.

4. It does not facilitate a first exploratory session

Unfortunately, an intrusive coach's main motive is to make money, so a coach of this caliber will rarely waste time on something he is very valuable for a true professional coach: offer a first exploratory session without commitment where you get to know your coachee and what they really he needs.

• You may be interested: "The 10 basic communication skills"

5. Lack of honesty and consistency

A coach must be honest with himself and not try to cover more than his competence. An outsider of the profession will try to welcome as many coachees as possible without calibrating if he himself is the right coach for it. A good coach is clear about his values ​​and will act in coherence with them even if it means losing a client.

6. He doesn't know how to delegate or derive

Closely linked to the point of honesty and consistency, a professional coach must know where her limits are. It does not treat trauma, nor mental illness, nor is it a consultant or a mentor. If a supposed coach detects that the coachee needs another type of help and does not refer you to the professional you really need, it is clear that neither his practice is ethical nor is he a real coach.

• Related article: "How to know when you suffer a problem of work stress due to excess of tasks"

7. He hasn't worked himself

It is clear that if she has not received training in quality coaching, the "false" coach will not have done a job essential that every coaching professional must carry out before exercising as such: a deep work internal. The intruder will show hesitation, doubts, fears and nervousness in certain cases because your own unworked fears and beliefs will be boycotting you.

8. Judge and label

The unconditional acceptance of the coachee, of what he is, feels and counts, is one of the pillars on which coaching is based. If a coach judges what his client is telling him or puts labels on him like "that's because you're a complainer" "it happens to you because you're pessimistic", he shouldn't be called a coach anyway.

• You may be interested: "Stereotypes, Prejudice, and Discrimination: Why Should We Avoid Prejudging?"

9. Does not actively listen

One of the key tools of the work of the professional coach is that of active listening. If a coach won't let you speak and interrupts you without just being present and listening to her, you should know that her coaching process won't be effective at all.

10. Offers tips and self-help phrases

One of the false beliefs that exists around the figure of the coach is that he is a simple motivator who distributes advice and sweetened phrases. It is clear that if a coach says things like "if you want, you can" or tells what he or she would do in your place, you should think about looking for another.

• Related article: "Active listening: the key to communicate with others"

Training and information, the best weapon against intrusion

Therefore, when in doubt as to whether or not the coach we want to hire is a professional coach, there is nothing like asking for the maximum possible information that accredits him as such, as well as looking at details of his practice that do not agree with a good praxis.

On D'Arte Human & Business School We are strong advocates of professional and quality coaching. For this reason, we offer meticulous training and programs supported by associations such as ICF and ASESCO, to guarantee that coaches who leave our classrooms are 100% professionals and will offer services with all the guarantees for their coaches.