Coaching has become one of the fastest-growing professions in the world. But with growth comes noise — and not every voice offering “coaching” carries the same depth or discipline.
So how can someone tell the difference between a high-quality coach and one who simply calls themselves one?
Here’s what to look for when evaluating coaching excellence.
1. Evidence of Professional Training
A credible coach has completed structured training with a recognised body — not a weekend crash course, not a motivational seminar, not a “quick certification” with no accountability.
High-quality training is rigorous, international in standard, and grounded in evidence-based practice.
Across the world, reputable programmes share several core expectations:
- Substantial live practice with real clients, often ranging from 30–100+ sessions depending on the accreditation route. Enasni’s benchmark is 30 recorded and documented sessions as a minimum.
- Assessed coaching demonstrations, usually recorded, reviewed, and graded by trained assessors who provide clear written and audio feedback.
- Reflective learning portfolios, such as Professional Development Journals (PDJs), designed to capture growth, insight, and awareness across the journey.
- Structured academic modules covering ethics, psychology, communication, human behaviour, and coaching methodology — often assessed through multiple-choice exams, written submissions, and practical observations.
- Training that aligns with global standards from respected bodies such as ICF, EMCC, AC, or equivalent regional authorities who set professional expectations across continents.
- Ongoing supervision requirements, recognised worldwide as a key indicator of professionalism in human-centred fields.
This level of commitment shows seriousness.
It signals discipline, accountability, responsibility, and a willingness to do the deep internal work that coaching demands.
A coach who has walked this path has learned the craft — not just the conversation.
That is the difference between someone who speaks well and someone who can hold space for transformation.
2. A Commitment to Ongoing Development
Coaching does not end at qualification.
The best coaches keep learning — through supervision, advanced study, peer practice, and continuous reflection.
Ask your coach:
- How do you stay sharp in your practice?
- What kind of feedback or supervision do you receive?
- How often do you revisit your professional code of ethics?
A great coach shall avoid hesitating to answer. We know growth never stops — for us or our clients.
3. Ethical Transparency
Quality coaches are grounded in ethics — confidentiality, boundaries, and consent are non-negotiable.
Before working with a coach, you should see or discuss:
- A clear contract or agreement outlining roles and responsibilities.
- Assurance of confidentiality in compliance with GDPR or relevant data laws.
- Evidence of professional indemnity insurance and current accreditation.
If we as coaches cannot explain their ethical framework, keep looking. Trust is the first deliverable in any coaching relationship.
4. Measurable Skill in Practice
A high-quality coach balances empathy with precision.
In conversation, you’ll notice they:
- Ask purposeful, open questions — not advice disguised as curiosity.
- Listen at depth, hearing emotion and pattern, not just content.
- Create structure without control, helping clients lead their own journey.
- Use silence as skillfully as speech.
If the conversation feels like mentorship, therapy, or consultancy, it may not be coaching.
The best coaches avoid the dreaded steer; they illuminate.
A high quality coach avoids being your friend and champions being your coach.
5. Reflective Process and Feedback Culture
Excellence thrives on reflection.
Top-tier coaches use tools like reflective journals, client feedback forms, and supervision to constantly assess their impact.
They can articulate what they learned from past sessions — not just what the client learned from them.
That’s the hallmark of someone who treats coaching as both art and science.
Key Learning Points
- A high-quality coach is trained, assessed, and accredited by a reputable organisation.
- Ethical standards, documentation, and ongoing learning separate professionals from amateurs.
- True coaching is non-directive — built on listening, trust, and structure.
- Reflective practice and feedback loops ensure continuous improvement.
- Transparency builds safety, and safety builds transformation.
Action Points
- Before hiring, ask to see your coach’s credentials and professional memberships.
- Request clarity on ethics, confidentiality, and data protection.
- Seek coaches who value supervision and reflective practice.
- Notice how you feel in conversation — the right coach creates space, not pressure.
In Essence
A high-quality coach does not tell you who to be — they help you remember who you choose to be everyday.
They listen with the type of attention that makes growth inevitable.
At Enasni Connections, this is our standard.
Because when coaching is practiced with integrity, everyone involved evolves.