Coaching - Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Coaching?
Coaching is a professional partnership between two people. Coaching uses a process that enables learning and development and therefore improved performance. Anyone can coach. However, to be an effective coach, one requires knowledge, skills and specific training.

What are the benefits of coaching?
The benefits of coaching are:

objective support with new perspectives,

enhanced thinking approaches,

improved goal setting, planning and time management skills,

increased effectiveness in decision making skills,

achievement of personally relevant goals,

enhanced interpersonal skills,

development of more effective communication skills,

increased confidence,

improved productivity,

personal satisfaction with life and work,

improvement of professional skills (ie. better meeting management, leadership, presentation, and delegation skills, etc.)

improved strategies for stress management.

increased perspectives on health and wellness goals,

regular contact as a source of structure, support and encouragement,

development of strategies to maintain focus and concentration,

safe environment and support to work on social skills and self-esteem, &

challenges to move out of the personal comfort zone to the next level of self-development.

Am I ready for coaching?
Ask yourself the following:
What are some clear goals that I would like to accomplish?
What would I have to do to achieve these goals?
What do I need to know to move forward?
Who can best help me accomplish these tasks?

Am I ready to collaborate, consider new ideas, and do what is necessary to achieve these goals?

What do I look for in a coach?
Consider the following aspects of effective coaches. An effective coach is someone who:

• creates a positive atmosphere for a relationship;
• possesses the knowledge that is appropriate for the client;
• utilizes the skills and training to both motivate and empower;
• creatively challenges the client to think divergently;
• challenges the client to move forward;
• sets clear goals and expectations of the process of coaching; and
• demonstrates honesty and integrity in all aspects of business and personal life coaching.

What is the process for coaching?
Coaching typically begins with an interview over the phone, in person or through internet technology (iChat, Blog, Twitter, etc.) The initial interview is a two way assessment. The client is asking him or herself if he/she wants to work with this coach. The coach is investigating the issues and challenges in working with this client.

In this first meeting, assess the following:

• assess the client's current opportunities and challenges,
• define the scope of the relationship,
• establish specific desired outcomes, or at least set it up for the second meeting,
• identify priorities for action,
• set timelines for the outcomes, and
• clarify the coaching costs for the upcoming meetings.

What is the cost of coaching?
Fees vary according to the type of coaching services, geographical location, qualifications and experience of the coach. When selecting a coach, make sure that the goals you are setting are achievable and measurable. It is reasonable to expect value for your dollar. Set these expectations at the outset of your meeting. Be clear about when and how often you will meet.