If you're looking at inaugurating a coaching initiative, questions such as these will help you identify the most appropriate coach(es) for your organization.

• Is this coach seasoned and experienced?
  
  Coaching expertise cannot be learned overnight. It is forged through education, work experience, and an intimate knowledge of management issues. When meeting with coaches, ask what counselling training and business experience they have had.
  
  
• What people-development experience do they have?
  
  Does the coach have extensive backgrounds in interviewing, mentorship and consulting? Do they have a track record of recognizing talent, evaluating people’s abilities, and building leadership teams? How familiar are they with senior management responsibilities and the problems often encountered (but rarely talked about) by executives?
  
  
• What type of framework does the coach recommend?
  
  A credible coach will suggest a specific framework for each project. It will include the guidelines and boundaries of the relationship, the components of the development process and a time frame for achieving appropriate goals.
  
  
• Do they understand the importance of confidentiality and accountability in everything they do?
  
  
• Will they focus primarily on business-related issues?
  
  You’re not paying for therapy. Make sure that the coach is focused on generating results that positively impact your business