FreelanceCoach Blog

Most people have goals that they would like to achieve in their lives, but all too often life itself gets in the way by presenting unexpected challenges and demands which make it hard for them to move forwards and realize their full potential.  In other cases, it isn’t so much life’s events which hold them back, but rather the perceptions of themselves that they have built up over the years.  Their lack of self-esteem and self-confidence act as barriers, leaving them convinced that even trying to reach for their dreams is a waste of time and effort.  Many of these individuals, however, can be helped by a life coach to find the courage and the motivation required to turn their dreams into reality, and if this is a career that you have ever considered, then read on to find out which important qualities go into the making of a great life coach.

1. Life experience – Leading others through the challenges of life to achieve success requires that you too have walked in your clients’ shoes.  Good life coaches have a wealth of life experience and have actively come through difficult times themselves and found happiness and success at the other end. 

1. Positive attitude – Having a positive outlook on life and a “can do” attitude is absolutely essential for a good life coach if he or she is to be able to help and encourage others deal with difficult situations.  

1. Authenticity – Good life coaches are people who “walk the talk,” who are genuinely in control of their lives and who can demonstrate through their own reputations and levels of success that life coaching is more than just theory, but that it actually works.

1. Dedication – Those who seek the help of a life coach need to feel that they can trust the individual they are working with, and this requires the utmost in dedication from the coach him or herself.  A good life coach demonstrates through his or her interactions with a client that he or she has the commitment to be there as a constant guide and champion.  

1. Honesty – Honesty is absolutely imperative in dealing with life coaching clients, even if the truth might be difficult to hear.  Pussy-footing around issues ultimately doesn’t help individuals to make positive strides forward, so a good life coach needs to exhibit honesty while at the same time dealing sensitively with difficult truths.

1. Respect for others – An effective life coach must feel and demonstrate respect for him or herself, as well as for his or her clients, no matter the problems that the individual is experiencing or the individual’s race, color or background.

1. Empathy – Good life coaches don’t just help to steer their clients towards their chosen aims and objectives in life, but they also act as champions and supporters.  To do this, they need to be able to empathize with the problems and feelings of others.

1. The ability to listen – Life coaches and their clients work hand-in-hand to design and execute tailor-made solutions to tricky problems and situations.  First class listening skills are essential so that life coaches can quickly get to the root of clients’ issues and so that they can help them to develop solutions which are appropriate to their circumstances and their personalities.

Anda Tudor, Life Coach                                                                                                  October 3, 2011

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