Contents
The portrait of an effective coach consists of different components:
Life experience
In order to teach something, you need to know it yourself. It is not enough to be a bright personality, it is important to really be a professional in your field.
Personality of the trainer
In the segment of personal growth trainings, people more often come not to the training, but to the trainer. A successful coach brings to the training not only his professional techniques, skills and experience, but also his whole self — his personality. A strong personality attracts, inspires by its example. See →
Coach image
Interest in the coach’s personality can be overshadowed by the undeveloped image of the coach. Image is a broad concept that includes both style (how the coach dresses, his appearance) and the image itself (how the coach presents himself internally). It is not necessary to be super stylish, but a neat coach must be — this is a mandatory requirement in working with people. A neat haircut, grooming — all this increases the confidence of the participants, and, consequently, the efficiency of the coach. The image of a trainer can be very different, adequate both to the personality of the trainer, and to the subject of the training and the characteristics of the audience. In a solid business audience, the coach is obliged (at least at first) to behave solidly, in personal training more free options are allowed, and a strict jacket is rather inappropriate.
Psychological savvy
Initially, training is a psychological product. It’s good when sales training is led by a first-class salesperson, but it’s doubly good when this person has the right psychology.
Acting skills
A professional coach should not only be bright, but also be able to quickly get used to various roles. Being able to be different is as important for a coach as being able to feel the group.
Business and business reputation
It is unlikely that people will go to a coach who is in dire financial need to learn how to earn money and grow rich.
A coach who is incompetent as a leader is unlikely to become a model for those who want to improve their leadership skills. Participants are primarily interested in the success of the trainer, and only then the training program.
Key competencies
If the coach leads the group and goes strictly according to the plan, not allowing himself to deviate from it even a step, then he is probably a good instructor who is well versed in group work techniques. A professional trainer also has a plan, but, unlike an instructor, he knows how to tune in to the group and, if necessary, deviate from the plan. Empathy with the group distinguishes an effective coach. A professional coach leads the group to the result, and does not stupidly follow the plan.
A good coach not only teaches, but is also able to learn — to become a student. An effective coach teaches what he owns. Not only able to show in words, but also show in deeds.
Communication skills, openness, goodwill, involvement — without this, a coach is not a coach.
The coach must be able to communicate in simple terms. Public speaking skills are a must. A pleasant timbre of voice is a big plus. Benevolent confidence as a manner of communication can be more important than a store of knowledge.