What is a life coach?

Characteristics of a life coach

When it comes to characteristics behind career choice--what are life coaches responsible for? What are the traits behind a strong and successful life coach? Just like any profession, finding a career you are not only passionate about but one that your identity can stand behind is critical. Here are some characteristics that shape the ideal life coach in any scenario. 

Person of compassion

As a coach, you must have a deep connection to helping people in need. The ability to resonate with clients on a deeper level and to show your willingness to make a difference in their lives is critical. 

Great listener

Providing guidance to your clients is the bread and butter of your job, but listening lays the foundation of the relationship. Be an active listener and read body language to articulate the best advice and transformative solutions.  

Straight shooter

Tough love is essential in the world of coaching. Your job is to bring out positivity in clients, but you must do so while addressing conflict, fear, and other problems head-on. 

Types of life coaches 

By now, you understand what a life coach is and what type of traits you need to thrive in this position. Once you feel you have what it takes to start training to become a life coach, you need to think about what type of life coaching you want to get into. Clients in need of assistance may be more inclined to work with someone with a specialization in their issues, so informing yourself on the options available can make your career path move more seamlessly. Here are some of the most common types of life coaching:

Family coaching

A family coach is typically responsible for moderator conversations between family members, providing tips for better communication. You may work with a full family that needs help to resolve a conflict, or a married couple thinking about getting a divorce.

Career coaching

When clients are unsure of their next career move or are stuck in a job that doesn’t spark joy, they might consider working closely with a career coach. In this type of coaching, you can help a client reevaluate their current goals, unveil skills and interests that may have been overlooked, and help them determine their next best step between now and retirement. 

Finance coaching

Someone who has a difficult time with money management may seek help from a finance coach. In this path, you would help clients meet their long-term financial goals, whether that means saving for retirement, paying off debt or simply better managing finances.

Mental health coaching

As a mental health coach, you would assist people who have problems directly correlated to their own stress, anger, grief or other strong emotions. Mental health coaches are responsible for helping clients improve their communication skills, boost their confidence, and develop techniques for relaxation and reducing stress levels.