|
Frequently Asked Questions About Coaching
What is a coach?
A coach is a partner who guides and helps the individual search, explore and excel far beyond their own expectations. In our coaching relationships, the total focus is on the individual and on what they want in their work and in their lives - and on what it will take to help them achieve it.
Why would I work with a coach?
The purpose of coaching is to learn new competencies, gain new insights, develop the capacity to be more effective, and to respond to or manage events in a more immediate, powerful and constructive manner.
Athletes and performers learned long ago that they are not able to achieve their dreams by themselves. In order to be successful and to excel in their performance, they have a coach to guide, support and partner with them. Watch the Olympics competitions and witness the interactions between the athletes and their coaches. Have you ever seen an Olympic champion without a coach?
In recent years, organizational leaders and individuals have realized that they too can exceed their own expectations, enhance their performance and improve their professional and personal lives by partnering with a coach. The confidential nature of the relationship allows the individual to explore, imagine and communicate in a way they can not often do with others.
The impact of coaching is powerful and long lasting. As individuals improve their own effectiveness and performance, they have a positive impact on their professional and personal relationships and on the organization and its bottom line. Research has shown that coaching can and does improve personal effectiveness and organizational productivity. Everyone wins.
back to top
What is the coaching process?
Our process begins with an initial complimentary session which allows the coach and the individual to get acquainted, experience what coaching is, and decide if they can work together effectively before they make any commitment.
It all starts with an assessment of the individual’s needs and desired outcomes. We look at the challenges and goals in their work and personal lives, helping them identify and connect with what is important to them. They then create an inspiring personal vision and set achievable goals toward achieving that vision. Ultimately, they will be able to accomplish their goals and achieve their vision.
The coach listens and asks questions to help clarify and define the person’s aspirations and goals. Together, the coach and client develop a plan of action and work toward the achievement of that plan. The coach and the client must be committed to the process and the relationship.
The coaching relationship is built on trust, mutual respect and confidentiality.
Once we agree to work together, an agreement is formalized.
back to top
How does coaching work?
Over our lifetimes, each of us develops our own behavioral patterns, some of which may be ineffective, self-limiting, self-derailing, or destructive to our self and to others. Through a process of discovery and the introduction of new practices, the coach helps the individual identify their own patterns, re-examine events and experiences and consider a broader range of possibilities available to them. Through the process, they are able to gain insight into their values, beliefs, intentions and behaviors and learn new skills which they then apply to their professional and personal lives.
The coach partners with the individual for accountability and provides continuous support and encouragement. We begin by establishing a relationship of mutual trust and respect. Together we identify the unique needs of the individual, create and commit to a customized development plan that meets those needs. We then engage in conversations with assigned practices and defined milestones. Throughout the coaching process, the individual works on immediate and real challenges and situations with the confidential guidance and feedback of their coach. They learn new practices and skills, generate strategies, make choices and take actions that will help them achieve the results they want to achieve.
back to top
Why not just take some courses?
Research has proven that courses alone do not bring about the deep and lasting change that is desired. Coaching, since it is very personal and in-depth, goes beyond the classroom and into the individual’s real world. The coach is able to observe, assess and provide one-on-one personalized feedback that can not be achieved in coursework. No other relationship offers the individual such personalized attention to their own growth and development. It is often the only time the individual has to focus on themselves and their developmental needs with another person who shares their commitment --- confidentially.
back to top
Where do we meet?
The coach may come to your office or alternative location for in-person coaching with email or phone contact between sessions. Depending on distance or schedules, coaching may also be done by phone and email.
back to top
How much time will it take and how much will it cost?
The time commitment depends on the client, the situation, and how rapidly they want to progress. Typically, we contract for three to six months with an option to opt out with two weeks advance notice. Sessions are 45 to 90 minutes and are most effective when scheduled weekly to begin with.
Cost will be discussed in our initial conversation and finalized in our coaching agreement. We charge by the hour, by the month or by a three, six or twelve month agreement, depending on client needs and circumstances.
back to top
|
