Finding the Right Coach: What You Need to Know

If you're an entrepreneur, a professional, or a leader, you’ve likely considered working with a coach at some point. Coaching has become a multi-billion-dollar industry, promising transformation, success, and breakthrough moments. But here’s the challenge—many people invest thousands of dollars, sometimes even $20,000 or more, only to feel like they didn’t get real results.

Have you ever been there? Have you ever invested in a coach only to feel stuck, frustrated, or unchanged?

The truth is, not all coaches are created equal. A great coach should help you grow, not just drain your wallet. So how do you know if you're choosing the right one? Let’s break down three critical factors to look for when hiring a coach—plus a bonus step to ensure you get the transformation you're looking for.

1. A Great Coach Is Not a People-Pleaser

It might sound counterintuitive, but the best coaches won’t always tell you what you want to hear—they tell you what you need to hear.

A people-pleasing coach who says “yes” to everything isn’t actually helping you. Growth comes from being challenged. A strong coach will ask tough questions, redirect when necessary, and hold you accountable.

This doesn’t mean coaching should make you feel bad—it’s not about criticism; it’s about elevation. If your coach isn’t pushing you outside your comfort zone, you’re not getting the full value of coaching.

2. A Great Coach Asks Questions—Not Just Gives Advice

Coaching isn’t about handing you a list of instructions—it’s about guiding you toward your own breakthroughs.

A consultant tells you what to do. A coach helps you discover the answers yourself.

Why does this matter? Because when you uncover the solution on your own, you’re far more likely to own it, believe in it, and implement it. That’s where real change happens.

A great coach will ask questions like:

What’s stopping you from making this decision?
How would this choice impact your long-term goals?
What patterns are holding you back?

The goal isn’t just to give you quick-fix advice—it’s to equip you with the mindset and tools to make better decisions on your own.

3. A Great Coach Communicates with Clarity

Communication is everything in coaching. If you leave a session feeling confused, unmotivated, or unsure of what to do next, something is missing.

A powerful coach is:

Clear – They get to the point without unnecessary fluff.
Concise – They don’t over-explain; they deliver impactful insights.
Compelling – They inspire action and confidence.

When you walk away from a coaching session, you should feel empowered, not overwhelmed. You should know exactly what steps to take and feel energized to execute them.

Bonus: Find a Coach with Proven Experience

Would you hire a fitness trainer who has never been to a gym? A financial advisor who has never built wealth? Probably not.

The same applies to coaching. Your coach should have real-world experience in the area they’re coaching you in. If you're hiring a business coach, they should have built a successful business. If you’re hiring a public speaking coach, they should be on stages regularly.

Red flag: If a coach is only teaching but not implementing their own strategies, it’s worth reconsidering.

The Right Coach Can Transform Your Life

The right coaching relationship can be life-changing. But the wrong one? It can be costly—both in money and in time lost.

If you’re investing in a coach, make sure they:

Challenge you to grow (without sugarcoating).
Ask the right questions rather than just give advice.
Communicate clearly and effectively.
Have the expertise and experience to back it up.

At Rise Up For You, we believe in coaching that drives real results. If you’re ready to take your leadership, career, or business to the next level, let’s talk. Click below to schedule a call and see how we can support your growth.