How do I Find the Right Coach?
- Anne Catillaz
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
A Practical Guide for those Who Want Real Growth (Not More Noise)
Finding the right leadership coach is a bit like choosing a strategic partner: the fit matters. A great executive coach helps you see blind spots, sharpen decision-making,
strengthen relationships, and develop the emotional intelligence needed to lead in a high-pressure environment. The wrong coach? Well… let’s just say you end up with more notebooks, more buzzwords, and the exact same challenges.
If you’re wondering how to find the right leadership coach, here’s a clear, grounded guide to making a confident, informed choice.
Start with Your Goals. Ask “What Problem Are You Actually Trying to Solve”?
Leadership coaching is not one-size-fits-all. Before evaluating any leadership development programs, get clear on what outcome you truly want.
Are you looking to:
Reduce stress and avoid burnout?
Improve communication and influence?
Strengthen your emotional intelligence?
Navigate complex organizational change?
Build a healthier culture with less conflict and more trust?
Become more decisive and confident in your leadership role?
When you identify the real issue behind the issue, you can choose a leadership coach whose expertise aligns with your needs.
Evaluate Coaching Credentials and Training
Leadership coaching is an unregulated industry — which means anyone can declare themselves a “coach.”
Quality coaching credentials and training signal:
The coach has been rigorously trained to work with human behavior, mindset, and change.
They follow ethical standards and proven methodologies.
Look for:
Recognized coaching certifications (Leadership Certification, Positive Intelligence Certification, EQ Certifications, etc.)
Experience with mental fitness coaching, EQ development, conflict resolution, or stress management
Formal training in leadership psychology or behavioral frameworks
This ensures you’re working with a qualified leadership coach, not a hobbyist.
Examine Their Experience With Leaders Like You
A great executive coach should have relevant experience with:
C-suite leaders
CEOs navigating stress, decision-making, and culture change
High-potential leaders building confidence
New managers trying to improve communication and influence
Teams struggling with conflict, trust, or alignment
Strong leadership coaching includes measurable transformations—less burnout, improved communication, stronger culture, better decision-making.
Understand Their Coaching Style (Because Fit Is Everything)
Leadership coaching isn’t therapy. And it isn’t consulting.It’s a structured partnership that depends heavily on style and rapport.
Some leadership coaches are direct and challenging.Some are reflective and relational.Some integrate mental fitness, neuroscience, and emotional intelligence.Some use assessments and structured frameworks.
Ask yourself:
Do I want someone who challenges me?
Do I want someone who helps me slow down and think differently?
Do I want a coach who blends mindset, EQ, and behavior change tools?
The “best leadership coach” is the one whose method supports growth at the individual and team levels.
Ask About Their Leadership Coaching Framework
A strong executive coaching framework should be clear and grounded.
For example, at Winning Clarity, I integrate:
Mental fitness coaching to reduce stress, interrupt inner critics, and build clarity
Emotional Intelligence coaching to strengthen resilience, connection, and trust
Leadership development tools for influence, conflict management, and communication
Organizational coaching for culture alignment and change management
Whatever framework a coach uses, it should be explainable in plain English and designed for real-world application.
The Discovery Call Is Your Test Drive
The discovery call is your chance to evaluate chemistry — the most important part of choosing the right leadership coach.
Ask yourself afterward:
Did this coach listen deeply?
Did they understand the complexity of my role?
Did I feel challenged, but safe?
Did their questions make me think differently?
Can I imagine being honest with them?
If the answer is no, trust that. Leadership coaching requires trust and psychological safety.
Trust Your Instincts (They’re Part of Good Leadership)
If something feels off, pay attention.Great leadership is built on self-awareness — and selecting a coach is no different.
When you find the right coach, you’ll feel:
Relief
Clarity
Possibility
And forward momentum
A strong coaching partnership should make your leadership life easier, not heavier.
Final Thought: The Right Coach Helps You Lead With Confidence, Clarity, and Capacity
The right leadership coach helps you:
Reduce burnout and stress
Strengthen emotional intelligence
Make clearer decisions
Improve communication
Build trust and alignment
Navigate conflict
Lead with more confidence and less noise
Choosing a coach is not about picking the “best.”It’s about choosing the best fit for your goals, your team, your personality, and leadership journey.
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