I think a coaching system is just like a weight loss program. Some need the assistance and guidance and some don't. 

Guidance - which you never get - seems you only get accountability from coaches - I can get that from my husband for free!

I like the push I get to hit goals, the creative ideas and the education; but mostly to help me get out of my own way.

I have an accountability partner, so I don't need a coach for simply that, but she offers that too.

More than accountability,  ways that work but not turning in numbers all the time.

I primarly would look for strategies and implementation, however this is lacking in many  coaches.  I would also look for accessibility.  In my humble opinion if you are only spending 30 minutes a week as a coach it's hard to get anything of substance accomplished.  Do Top athletes only get 30 min a week with their coaches?  What I have seen is that the real value from the "coaches" is the network.  You get access to other agents and through that connection you can learn strategies that you could implement.  If you end up hiring a coach I would love to see how it turns out for you. 

Ways to improve what they were doing and do more business.

accountability

I do not have one.

I'll go with Debbie Laity on this one!

As you suggest, there are three types of coaching.

Business, mindset, life coaching and as one suggested weight-loss.

At this time, the coaching from with I would benefit is BUSINESS coaching.

That would and should be followed by mindset coaching.

I have my own weight-loss plan in motion.

A program titled 'ACCOUNTABLILY' will have agents running in the opposite direction. The accountability concept much be integrated into another program and disguised as "What is your message to the Universe?"

James Hoff I would say accountability.

Positivity and the ability for innovation to effect an edge over the competition

This is based on your personal needs. 

new ideas and accountability

James Hoff - all these, plus more! My coach has changed my life - so if you are looking for a coach, let me know....

To get some confidence that you are doing fine or needing honing to polish your salesman ship.....

I know some agents go crazy when they give Tom Ferry their hard earned commission.  They feel good seen him.

I'm not sure that a real estate coach is necessarily the best choice.  The best coach I ever had was a really smart businessman in a totally different area than real estate.  But he got it when it came to planning and goals and accountability. 

I like Debbie Laity 's comment.

I would think accountability tops the list.

James when I did hire a coach it was typically because I wanted to learn a specific skill set.  Now after 29 years and being a coach to many agents over the years I still have mentor friends and coachs and we help each other out when needed.

It is a question that I have pondered as well, not sure if a coach could help me much.

Experience, knowldege, ability to teach, communicate and mentor the parts of real estate the agent hiring a coach needs. 

Make sure you get a pro-rated refund if you decide you and the coach aren't compatible, or make sure you can switch coaches and continue if you want to.

In the past I wanted accountability and support and to feel like someone was out there that cared and could offer some suggestions to get me on track.