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The following questions and answers provide information that is most often requested by individuals interested in coaching.

What is coaching?

Coaching is a guided discovery process, during which a client is supported in goal achievement through a series of regular, focused interactions with a coach. Coaches help clients define success, identify and address blocks to moving forward, clarify shifts in insights and behaviors, and carve out the time for desired outcomes to be manifested. Through the process, clients identify what they really want, as distinguished from what they have talked themselves into believing or what others told them was possible, and they hone in on actions, shifts and adjustments that lead to a less stressful and frustrating, and more fulfilled life.

What is coaching not?

Coaching is not psychotherapy or psychoanalysis, which are fields practiced by medical professionals. Although coaching includes some elements of consulting, it is not consulting because a coach does not tell a client what to do. Although there are elements of training in coaching, the process does not result in some particular marketable skill or formal body of knowledge gained by a client.

Why does coaching work?

Coaching works for individuals because it helps them access their wisdom for having what they want in their lives, careers and businesses. It also helps clients identify the things that do not contribute to their well being, so they can effectively remove unproductive activities, habits and even people from their lives.
For companies and organizations, the coaching process encourages team members to develop a shared vision and gain a greater understanding of the affect assumptions and limiting beliefs can have on the creation of extraordinary results.
A coach is an objective catalyst, who draws on clients' innate strengths to help them discover their own truth and use it to propel them forward.

Who can benefit from coaching?

Anyone who wants to invest in themselves and their life's work, who wants to improve their ability to focus on what matters to them, and get clear about how to make more informed decisions that affect their lives, are all great candidates for coaching. Some clients use a coach as a sounding board for idea and planning support. Others use a coach to help them learn techniques for applying focus to career and personal life issues so they can achieve more in less time and with less effort. Still others who work with a coach want to make a career transition or advance in their current positions, and want a coach to co-create strategies and tactics that will get them there. No matter the focus of the engagement, clients benefit most from coaching when they commit their time and attention to the process and are ready to take action to establish the changes or improvements they want.

How do you choose a coach?

As with any other professional, it is recommended that a client interview 2 to 3 prospective coaches to understand their specialties, fees, coaching approach and personal style. A client may also want to hire a coach with a similar professional or cultural background, although neither trait is necessary for a client to have a beneficial coaching experience. The key issue here is that it is important that a client feel comfortable with the coach they will be working with. Many coaches offer a complimentary session so that coach and client can see if there is a good fit between them, and so that clients can get oriented to the way the coaching process works.

Good sources of prospective coaches are the International Coach Federation's Coach Referral Service (www.icf.com) or "Find A Coach" on the Coach University website.

What does it cost to engage a coach?

Fees for coaching range from $300.00 to $1,200.00 per month based on the frequency and amount of time allotted to individual coaching sessions. A typical individual coaching agreement will include two or three 60-minute tele-sessions per month. For corporate coaching, fees are customized based on client needs, the scope of work, and the duration of the engagement.

Who needs a coach?

Listed below are questions that can guide you in deciding if it's time for you to hire a coach. Are you:

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An entrepreneur trying to recapture the joy that led you to strikeout on your own?

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A manager looking for strategies to advance your career?

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A leader looking for ways to generate peak performance from your team?

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An executive responsible for kick-starting a new project or product?

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Are you stuck and looking for ways to add meaning and passion to your life?

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Do you want to take better care of yourself, get out of debt, stop procrastinating, or break free from clutter?

Hiring a coach could be the best move for you at this time. If you still have questions, or want to talk to a coach about how to get started, please complete the information on our Contact Form>>>.