No matter how large or small a business you operate, hiring 
an executive coach is no longer a luxury - it's a necessity 
in today's highly competitive business environment.  No matter 
what your management and personality style, there's an executive 
or business coach for you.

Let's face it, most business owners' stick to the tried-and-true 
methods.  We've all discovered, by trial and often costly error, 
what works best for our companies.  However, a business owner 
stuck in that mentality may be missing out on great opportunities
just by keeping the status quo.

That's where a coach comes in.  A business coach is a trained 
third-party professional who helps clarify a business owner's 
goals and helps chart a path to meet them.  A coach will offer 
a fresh perspective to your daily challenges and hopes for the 
future.

Coaching may seem like a frivolous expense, but at least one 
study has shown otherwise.  A study of 100 executives, primarily 
from Fortune 1000 firms, who employed coaches from Florida-based 
firm Manchester, Inc., found that return on their investment was 
nearly six times what each firm spent on coaching.  Companies 
retained executives, had fewer customer complaints and saw more 
productivity from their coached employees.  What business owner 
doesn't want that?


So how do you choose the right coach?  The key is to find one 
you trust and who challenges you without having unrealistic 
expectations.  Some business owners see the stereotypical coach 
as a slick, motivational manipulator who will seek to turn them 
into a business mixer schmoozer.  The truth is there are as many 
styles of coaches as there are people.  Here are some tips to 
help you find yours:

· Know yourself and what you want.  Before you even begin the 
  process of looking for a coach, ask yourself some honest 
  questions.  What do I want?  What do I expect?  Are there 
  some things about my management style that probably need to 
  change?  Am I willing to consider making these changes?  What 
  am I willing to do?  What am I not willing to do?  Where do I 
  want to be in five years?  In 10 years?

· Call several coaching firms and individuals.  Talk to others 
  in your field to get referrals.

· Meet with at least five possible coaching candidates.  Find 
  out how they work.

· Don't be too concerned if your coach candidates don't "get" 
  your business immediately.  Sometimes it's best to have a 
  coach that knows absolutely nothing about your field so that 
  you can get some fresh approaches and ideas.

· Be sure your coach is willing to be honest with you.  In fact, 
  if a coach candidate isn't willing to tell you things you 
  don't want to hear, you probably haven't found the right coach.

· Tell your coach candidates what you perceive your goals are 
  right now.  Also tell each candidate what you are willing, 
  and not willing, to do to meet them.  Ask them what they can 
  do to help.

· Discuss upfront how you and your coach will work together when 
  you don't agree.  A good coach will push you in directions 
  that you don't agree with or that make you uncomfortable.  
  Sometimes a good coach will tell you about certain negative 
  behaviors you have that you don't necessarily want to change. 
   Ask how you and the coach will deal with these issues.

· Trust your gut.  Some business owners prefer a coach with a 
  similar style, while others want to possess characteristics 
  they observe in a coach who has a different personality.  Go 
  with the one you think you can best work with.


So you've selected your coach.  What comes next?  Most coaches 
will want to re-evaluate your goals with you first.  You'll 
also discuss strengths, weaknesses, problems and concerns.  
Next you will likely develop a plan of action.  Here are some 
things to remember when working with a coach:

· Nothing will change overnight.  Commit to at least a year of 
  coaching before you re-evaluate its effectiveness.

· Make coaching a priority.  Business owners tend to put the 
  business at hand over every other function.  However, coaching 
  can help you cut down on the time it takes to do business.  
  Make coaching the priority.

· Be willing to consider doing things differently.  Note that 
  I'm not saying to actually DO things differently.  There's a 
  difference between that and considering the possibility.  Most 
  of us need to ease ourselves into transitions and changes.  
  Being willing to change is the first step.

· Be honest with your coach.  You've chosen a coach who you feel 
  will be honest with you, and you must reciprocate.  In fact, 
  not being honest will most likely be a waste of time for both 
  of you.  It's important that you develop trust with your coach.

· Take crisis issues to your coach.  As the top person in your 
  organization, your coach can be your sounding board for 
  dealing with tough problems.  It never hurts to get a 
  different perspective.

Working with a business coach is a rewarding experience.  You'll 
learn about gifts and talents that you never even knew you 
possessed.  You'll face issues that you hoped would never see 
the light of day.  And both you and your business will grow in 
ways you never thought possible!