Definition: Life Coach Training

If you're interested in becoming a coach, you're probably confused by the overwhelming number of options you have for life coach training and business coach training. As of the current moment, there are nearly THREE HUNDRED 'schools' currently offering coach training, and many of them are offering some version of a certification program.nnFirst ask yourself if you really need trainingnnI go into this at length in other articles and resources, but I should do a brief recap here. The first thing you need to ask yourself when you're looking at coach training programs is whether or not you need training in the first place.nnThe coaching industry and coach training programs will tell you that training and certification is a must for serious professionals, but that flies in the face of reality. Most of the top coaches today aren't certified, and most have probably never even heard of the big training programs.nnThe truth is that your professional experience, accomplishments, or knowledge in other areas may be more than enough for you to get started building your business. And training in disciplines like marketing, strategic planning, NLP, hypnosis may be much more useful for your professional development than coach training. So take a few moments to think about the kind of coaching practice you want? What skills are required for you to do the work you want to do?nnWhat are you capable of doing now?nWhat do you need to learn (if anything) to bridge that gap? And...what's the best way of getting those skills?nnIf focused coach training really is for you, here's what you need to knownnSome of the programs are better than others. Some coach training programs for life coaches and business coaches are guided by good-hearted and talented coaches who believe strongly in their work. And they're committed to you and to your success. Other programs are guided by money-grubbers who are using the belief that coach training and certification is essential to manipulate you into giving them money.nnBecause there's no real way for you to know which ones are good and which ones aren't, I have a simple recommendation: Stick to the Top Three.nnStick to the reputable and established programsnnThey are (based on sized AND longevity): Coachu, Coachville, and The Coaches Training Institute (CTI). Each has its own character and focus. All have a common origin. CoachU and CTI embody the International Coach Federation-supported view that experience and expertise are irrelevant, and that coaching should be all about the client's inquiry.nnI don't support that point of view, but the training program for both of these organizations is solid. Coachville's Dave Buck has a different perspective I agree with more: you have to coach what you know.nnIn any case, as a starting point you won't go wrong with any of these three. You would also probably do well at The Hudson Institute, or at Georgetown University's coach training program for leadership and executive coaches.nIf you decide to stray from these programs, look for an organization that's been around for while with a reputation to lose.nnRegardless of the program you choose, make sure you do your due diligence. Get on a few of the introductory calls, talk to a few of the graduates (you can request names from the office), and see what works best for you.nnRemember, you're in charge!nnRegardless of what the instructors at each of these courses might tell you, they need you more than you need them. Keep focused on the specific skills you need to build your business and to best serve your clients. And don't get distracted by the options they'll continuously sell you!nnAs a final note, be willing to make up your own professional development program by pursuing other training and skills that will enable you to best serve your clients.nnSource: EzineArticles.com