When I’m choosing a coach or teacher, I use these six criteria:
Openness: Do they expose their ideas and opinions in public forums? Do they allow discourse and feedback on their material, or is it a one-way channel?
Prior Art: Research material authored by the coach: articles, blog posts, videos, code, tweets, publications. Are ideas clearly expressed and compatible to your mode of learning?
Bias: Do they present multiple facets to ideas? Is there personal incentive for endorsing one idea over another?
Interpersonal: The “Play nice with others” factor. How do they behave in a group? Do they foster relationships and enable growth? Do they advocate for peers in their profession?
Referral: Use your network of both people you know or online personas you respect and see if any of them approve or refer to the trainer or their material.
Experience: Review the individual’s listed skills, credentials, and experience. Can you trust them to bring authentic information that you believe applies to your needs?
This isn’t a comprehensive list; all models are flawed. What questions do you ask when choosing a mentor, coach, trainer, or teacher?