Welcome to this month's coaching column! You may recall that I stated in last month's column that everyone can benefit from being coached. This is especially true for Christians who desire to make decisions and implement them based on God's will for their lives. I truly believe, that in life, we do have God's guidance. It's clear and it is straightforward. Therefore, remember the following three "Fs" when looking to the Bible as a source of clarity about God's desire for you: It's from God, it's for us, and it's found in His Word. Think about what the Apostle Paul said about God's Word:

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

This Bible passage is very, very important. The God-breathed Bible is not only inspired, but when we comprehend it and apply it correctly, it is all sufficient and equips us with everything that we need for all decisions and the subsequent actions that we must make in life. This is needful so that we may be all that God purposes us to be. For us to live according to the book that contains His Word is to live in the will of God. That is why, in this monthly column, all of the coaching is done by the 'BOOK', the Holy Bible.

As promised, I will continue the tutorials about life coaching by sharing tips on how to select a life coach and how to optimize a coaching relationship once one has been established. In addition, I am also including in this month's column, a brief self-assessment so that you can gauge your readiness to partner with a life coach. It is a way to measure your "coachability". While I stated in last month's column that anyone could benefit from coaching, there is a prerequisite. An individual has to WANT to be coached in order to realize any significant benefit from the coaching experience. The self-assessment instrument found at the end of the column will provide some insight about how ready you are to commit to working with a professional coach.

Tips on Selecting a Coach
First, select a coach with substantial experience. Make inquires about how long the coach has been coaching and the percentage of time that he or she coaches others on a weekly basis. Also, if you are looking for a coach who specializes in a certain area, verify that the individual has sufficient experience in that niche. In addition, check to confirm that the coach has had advanced training and is a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). ICF governs professional life coaches; therefore, professional ethics and practice rules govern members of the organization.

It would be wise to interview a few coaches and then select one that you seem to connect with. Observe whether the person listens well and fully comprehends your objectives. Finally, ask any prospective life coach to concisely explain the services he or she can offer and the fees for those services. Make sure that you fully understand the type of contractual commitment that the prospective coach requests. It is really wise to avoid coaches who require advance payment for long-term coaching agreements.

Choosing an unskilled or inexperienced personal life coach can be avoided. With a little upfront homework and quiet reflection, you can select a life coach who will help you realize your aspirations and your personal development goals. Next month, I will explain the importance of choosing a Christian coach.

Getting the Most Out of a Coaching Relationship
This is an easy one. Do the work that is required to get the most out of the coaching relationship. That is all that any good life coach will require. As coaches, we are equal parts nag, business strategist, career counselor and relationship expert. Be ready to think through your responses to questions that the coach asks. Initially we want to know: Who are you? What do you really want? How are you going to get it? Finally, be candid and forthcoming with your evaluative feedback. It's the only way to have a successful coaching relationship.

Coaching Readiness Self-Assessment
Coaching requires commitment. It takes your willingness to take action, ability to accept responsibility and your readiness to do what it takes to create the success you want in your life.

Complete the following self-assessment to find out if you're ready for coaching. Circle yes or no in response to the ten statements.

I am eager to make meaningful improvements in my business, career or life.


I believe coaching is the appropriate process for the changes I want to make (as opposed to counseling, therapy or consulting.


I am fully ready to do the work necessary to get me where I want to be and I will let the coach do the coaching.


I usually keep my word without struggling to do so.


I am willing to experiment with new concepts or different ways of doing things.


I will be open and truthful with my coach and I'm ready to hear the truth from my coach, even if it's uncomfortable.


I am able to make the commitment of time needed to keep scheduled appointments.


I am willing to stop or change self-defeating behaviors which limit my success.


I see coaching as a worthwhile investment in my life and I am willing to pay for coaching if my Employer does not do so.


I want to attract success and create a more integrated and balanced life.


SCORING: If you answered yes to 7 or more statements, you may be a great candidate for coaching. If you answered no to 4 or more questions, you will need to make some adjustments, either in your lifestyle or in your expectations of life coaching, before coaching will be fully effective beneficial.

Next month, I will provide coaching about the necessity of clarifying your life goals and aspirations prior to trying to obtain them.



Dr. Sara E. Stevenson is a resident of Hickory, NC. She holds a doctorate in organizational
/social psychology and a masters degree in counseling psychology. With over 20 years of
experience, she works as an independent consultant and trainer through her firm,
S. E. Stevenson & Associates. In addition to her consulting practice, Dr. Stevenson teaches
graduate courses in Strategic Leadership at the Hickory Higher Education Center and is the
Director of Training and Consulting Services for the National Christian Family Resources
Council (NCFRC), a Hickory-based non-profit organization that supports couples and
families. She is married and the mother of one young adult son. Dr. Stevenson can be
contacted at coachsara@coachcodeblue.com.