Last week’s blog focused on criteria for evaluating an executive coach.  Number four of five was a coach who would tell you the truth and do it compassionately.  What does that look like?  See below.

1. The coach is not intimidated by you or by sharing the truth with you. They are confident, centered, and present to the situation.
2. But they do not present themselves as all-knowing. They are more interested in working with you to discover the truth than to be right in telling it to you.  They ask questions and rely on your answers to guide them.  They are nimble, and light on their feet, rather than wed to any one particular theory.
3. When there is something getting in your way, they will help you to see and understand it in such a way that you can seek to change it.  And they will guide you in how to make that change.  But they will not insist that you “get it.”  And there is not a whiff of judgement or arrogance, only compassion.  Because they know that they, too, have had to work, and continue to work, at being who they want to be.

These criteria are not exhaustive, but they’re a good start.  And the most talented, effective coaches that I’ve experienced show up in this manner.

For more on working with me in the new year to elevate your leadership performance, you can reach me at: sarah@sarah-levitt.com  My next openings are in February.