FAQs

What Is Coaching?
In the simplest terms, coaching is a process that helps a person get more of what they want and need. A person may use the coaching process to help them define and attain their personal or business vision, needs, values, and goals.

Please see the Welcome page for some examples.

I begin by helping you define the gap between where you are now and where you want to be.  I help you tap your strengths and understand the blind spots that are limiting you.  I work with you to develop a plan for moving forward that is right for you.  And most importantly, I support you in your process in whatever way you need.


Why Hire A Coach?
At this point in your life you have already demonstrated considerable acumen at achieving your goals. So, why would you want to hire a coach? There are a number of compelling reasons:

  • A coach can be your best ally.
    People often turn to spouses, friends, colleagues, or bosses for advice and guidance. Yet all of these people may have a personal bias and needs that affect their input to you. In contrast, the coach's only agenda is your agenda. You can speak completely honestly to me knowing there is complete confidentiality.

  • A coach has coaching-specific skills.
    The coaching conversation is not like "talking things over" with a friend. It is specifically designed to help you solve problems and move you to action. I will help you see and overcome blind spots and weaknesses that have been slowing you down. If desired, various assessment tools are available to catalyze this process.

  • Coaching is highly rewarding
    I believe that the main reason coaching is surging in popularity is because clients find the experience so rewarding.  Please ask me for articles on coaching supporting this view, and see samples of my client’s comments in Testimonials.


How Does Coaching Work?
The best way to understand the value of coaching is to experience it. Many coaches, including myself, offer several free sessions so that potential clients may experience the process and the coach's personal style.

Please see the Contact page for contact information.

Process

  • Coaching sessions are held in person or by telephone, and usually include email support.
  • A typical schedule might be a one hour session, held twice a month. (One of the benefits of coaching is the flexibility it offers in focus and scheduling.)
  • At the beginning of each session, you will specify the focus for the session.
  • I will brainstorm with you, through a series of questions, to define the best goal, course of action, solution to a problem, etc.
  • Lastly, you define your own next steps.
Nothing in this description, however, conveys the "magic" clients often get from the coaching process.

Through coaching the client often has "aha" moments - lightbulbs switching on about previously hidden truths and unexpected solutions. For most clients, coaching is highly energizing and rewarding and a time of great personal and professional growth.


Who Is Using Coaching?
In the corporate world, coaching is rapidly becoming a "best practice" for improving performance, retaining employees, developing executives and managers, etc.

  • "The hottest thing in management is the executive coach...Coaches are everywhere these days."
    Source: "So you're a player. Do you need a coach? Betsy Morris, Fortune, 21 February 2000"
  • "According to a survey by Manchester, Inc., an HR consulting firm in Jacksonville, FL, 59% of organizations currently offer coaching or other developmental counseling to their managers and executives."
    Source: "Scoring big in the workplace: corporate coaches help managers produce the right plays on the job." Kathyrn Tyler, HR Magazine, June 2000

Additionally, many people are hiring a coach on a private basis to support personal and/or professional goals.

Please see the Corporate Coaching and Personal Coaching pages for more information.


How Much Does Coaching Cost?
The cost of coaching sessions can range from $200 - $600 per month. I will make fee adjustments for private clients under special circumstances.


How Long Does A Coaching Relationship Last?
It is up to you. A typical time-frame would be 3-9 months.


What Qualifications Do You Have To Be A Coach?
Similar to consultants, anyone can call themselves a coach. There is no mandatory credentialing or licensing. That is why it is important to ask your prospective coach about their background and experience.

Please go to "About the Coach" for a listing of my qualifications.

Several organizations provide training and support to the coaching Community. One well-respected organization is the Professional Coach and Mentors Association. Another is the International Coach Federation, which provides education standards, ethics and credentialing for personal and business coaches. Please visit their websites to learn more about the coaching profession.


How Can I Find A Coach Who Is Right For Me?
I will not take on a client unless I feel that my skills and experience are a "good fit" with their needs. If I cannot work with you, I may be able to recommend one of the excellent coaches I have met through the coaching community. Additionally, the International Coaches Federation, Coach U, and PCMA maintain databases of coaches. Please see the links below.


Links: