Most coaching relationships fail not because of bad coaching, but because of a bad hire. Here's what to check before you pay.
Key red flags: coaches who guarantee specific outcomes ('you will double your income'), coaches who can't clearly explain their methodology, coaches who push upsells aggressively before you've experienced any value, coaches who have no relevant credentials or client references, and coaches who talk more than they listen in your discovery call.
Yes — any reputable coach should offer a free introductory session before you commit. This is standard practice. A discovery call lets you assess fit, ask about methodology, and determine whether this coach has relevant experience for your specific situation. Coaches who refuse this are asking you to buy blind.
Ask: What is your specific coaching methodology? How do you measure progress? What results have your clients achieved? What happens if we're not a good fit? What experience do you have with my specific challenge? How do you handle sessions where a client is in emotional distress? The answers tell you more than any testimonial.
It's a baseline signal, not a guarantee. ICF certification means a coach has met minimum training and practice standards. It does not mean they are the right coach for you, or even a particularly skilled one. Treat certification as a floor, not a ceiling — then evaluate the coach's actual track record, methodology, and client results.
First, examine whether you're completing agreed actions between sessions — this is the most common reason coaching stalls. If you are, have an honest direct conversation with your coach. If the issue persists after a genuine attempt to address it, it's entirely legitimate to end the relationship and find a better fit. A good coach will support your decision.
It depends entirely on the coach's refund policy, which you should clarify before paying. Most coaches offer no refund on completed sessions. Some offer satisfaction guarantees on packages. Always read the terms carefully before paying. If a coach makes extravagant outcome guarantees and then refuses refunds when those outcomes don't materialise, that's a serious red flag.
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