Contact

Choose an experienced, qualified coach.

Are you thinking of hiring a coach? Professional coaching brings many wonderful benefits, but please be aware.

Coaching is an unregulated industry. Anyone can call themselves an executive, leadership, development or business coach and there is no requirement for people practicing as a coach to have relevant qualifications.

It’s important you select a coach intentionally, mindfully and carefully.

Here’s a short checklist of pointers for you to consider when choosing a coach:

1. Check a coach’s experience and qualifications

Explore your options when choosing a coach. Of course it’s important that there is a good ‘fit’ between coach and coachee, but as coaches are in a hugely influential position, it’s vital that you check their qualifications, skills and experience as well as their personality. I highly recommend you engage an appropriately experienced, qualified coach.

Both appropriately qualified and experienced, I hold a Masters degree in Coaching Psychology from the University of Sydney, a Professional Certificate in Coaching from Henley Business School and have completed post-graduate specialisation in Growth Edge Coaching and Collective Leadership. I am also a credentialled member of the ICF (International Coaching Federation).

Learn more about me

2. Does the coach use evidence-based development tools and methods?

When it comes to professional development, there are plenty of theories around what does and doesn’t work. This can make the end result somewhat ‘hit or miss’. Choosing a coach who takes an evidence-based approach means you can avoid speculation as to whether or not your coach knows what they’re talking about.

Because I am aware that different situations call for different approaches, as well as one-on-one excecutive coaching, I offer, and am certified to deliver, various coaching methodologies and assessments:

  • Growth Edge Coaching
  • ACT Mindfulness
  • Strengths Profiler
  • The Leadership Circle™ – 360° assessment

3. Check that there is a real need for coaching.

While coaching is beneficial in very many situations, I recommend considering the alternatives before engaging a coach. For example, would a trainer, mentor, or counsellor be a more appropriate fit?

Below are some downloads providing more in-depth information on what to look for when choosing a coach:

International Coaching Federation

Feeling Stuck? (PDF) – Short quiz to determine if coaching is right for your situation
About Coaching (PDF) – Brief overview on the benefits of coaching
Need Coaching? (PDF) – Comprehensive look at coaching types and benefits

Considerations When Choosing a Coach (PDF) – Coaching selection extract from the Standards Australia Handbook on Coaching in Organisations (2011).

Coaching is beneficial in so many circumstances, but as outlined please, do choose carefully before you engage your coach.

To find out which type of coaching will best suit your needs, please feel free to get in touch and we can have a no-obligation discussion about your requirements

David supported me to clarify and integrate my personal values and to also identify and examine limiting beliefs and habits of thought. He customised content and questions, through a timely book, shared article or our direct conversation where David astutely enquired into many things I would have not have stopped to explore myself. Through reviewing some of the latest evidence-based research into leadership development, I refined my future direction and motivation as a leader. This increased personal clarity and vision, supported by regular coaching sessions, has significantly accelerated my professional and personal development this year. It has enabled me to take a new leadership role with more confidence and deliver at a higher level for the team and the wider business. The benefit outside of work has been even more pronounced. Having a knowledgeable and motivated guide, in who’s training and professional experience I can respect, has changed the pace at which I learn and realise the benefits in all parts of life.
Tom Hunt - Invest in better thinking
Tom Hunt - Invest in better thinkingProduct Marketing & Management - Innovation - Spark New Zealand
My recently completed coaching sessions with David have been a really enjoyable and challenging experience for me. David took the time to get to know me as a person as well as a professional in my role and this ensured we covered a wide range of topics during our times together. Setting my objectives up front ensured we maintained focus. Most of all, I have found this to be a real confidence booster thanks to David's approach and our detailed discussions.
Tim Morris - Professional and Personal Growth
Tim Morris - Professional and Personal GrowthHead of Aviation Operations - Christchurch Airport
David brings an incredible breadth of knowledge to the table both practical and academic. He is uniquely skilled at asking the key question at precisely the right time. This Socratic process (again backed by experience and academic knowledge) really opened some mental doors that helped me understand my own strengths/weaknesses/aspirations and how they influence my relationships. The unique combination of expertise, caring and kindness made for a really special growth experience for me, the fruits of which have been noted by others.
Dr Murray CotterMedical Executive Committee Chair, ADCS, USA
David, I have found our time together really valuable. I feel very strongly that this has been a good return on investment for the organisation. I really like your style. You are really personable, with a lovely approach. I felt very comfortable with you. You’ve provided me with the opportunity to think through some big challenges and come up with solutions, as well as to make significant progress on my career aspirations.
CEO, Health Sector
CEO, Health Sector
During 2018 I've been fortunate to work with David as part of a comprehensive senior leadership development program at Enable Networks. David was engaged to deliver 1:1 coaching on my individual development plan which had its foundations in 360 feedback and via a 6-month Emotional Intelligence program. I've found David to be extremely adept at helping me to ascertain the drivers for behaviours (self and others) and is a walking library of ideas, anecdotes, books and other resources to use to help reinforce development concepts.
Greg Rossiter
The greatest benefit is my coach helping me recognize my own authenticity in my leadership and articulating my leadership intent in a way that can be adapted to different leadership settings to include whom I am talking too and where (local, global) I am speaking. Coaching has assisted me in being far more intentional about my engagement both at a strategic and management perspective. I have recognized my strengths to continually showcase and further develop and I have also recognized areas that require improvement. Coaching has allowed me to ask effective questions within a boardroom setting. I have really appreciated David and his way of coaching. His honesty and direct constructive coaching allowed me to be ‘real’ with myself and ‘stop beating about the bush’.
RachelIndependent Director
Subscribe to our newsletter

Contact David

for a no-obligation discussion
david@davidbennettcoach.com
+64 21 078 4458 

Twitter Linkedin-in

David Bennett Executive Coaching Limited

2022 All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy.

David Bennett Coach