How do coaching engagements get started?
Coaching
involves the creation of a customized alliance. It generally starts
with an in-depth session that establishes much of the foundation. This
can include a manager or sponsor who helps to design the focus and
provide on-going support. Prior to this, there is often a complimentary phone session to determine whether there is sufficient grounds for a coaching partnership.
How is coaching generally conducted?
We
conduct our coaching over the phone or at our offices in Arlington
Center in Massachusetts. Sessions are scheduled at regular intervals,
generally 2 or 3 times per month. The client calls the coach at the
scheduled time, or visits the office. Each session will last 40 to 60
minutes depending upon our agreement.
What if I need to touch base between coaching sessions?
As part of having a coach on a monthly retainer, clients can leave
messages via phone or e-mail between calls and engage in a timely
exchange prior to the scheduled session. Typically, these calls are
rather limited yet they at times are very important, and are part of
the monthly fee.
How long before I can achieve results?
Although
value from the coaching generally occurs in each session, via exercises
and reflection between sessions, it generally takes about six months to
achieve lasting results coming from significant changes in approach.
Do some coaches get results for their clients faster than others?
Working
with a coach is a shared responsibility. It turns out that most of the
pacing is set by the client in the form of work done between sessions
and their readiness to embrace new perspectives and approaches. It is
critical that the clients ask for what they want and surface what is
working and not working in the coaching partnership. The coach is
committed to be unconditionally constructive and to challenge the
client to pursue what is important to them.
My company will be paying for the coaching. Do we discuss any non-work related issues?
It has been established that for better or for worse human beings
cannot completely tune out issues that may originate in a different
part of their life. Since our work productivity is very much impacted
by non-work issues, it is in the interest of the company and the
employee to get help dealing with pressing personal issues. Therefore,
coaching often addresses non-work issues that impact the client's
ability to be focused at work.
I am afraid that coaching requires real hard work. I don't know if I have the time or energy for it.
We
find that most people when working in a coaching relationship built
upon trust are energized by the process. People are "ready" for
coaching when they are open to examining old behaviors and beliefs, are
open to new insight, and are interested in achieving key goals.
Is it true that coaching is a form of therapy or cheerleading?
If it were, we certainly are not dressed appropriately. Therapy generally explores history and why we
do certain things. It often involves diagnosing what is wrong and
fixing that. Coaching is aimed more at the present and future. It
recognizes our historic resourcefulness with a goal of forwarding our
action and deepening our learning so we can more easily address future
situations. Coaches acknowledge their clients for the tough work in
which they engage. Unlike cheerleaders, we do this with little fanfare
or physical effort.
What Preparation is Needed for a Coaching Individual Session?
The
most important preparation for a session is to be open and prepared to
participate fully. Sessions should be free of distractions. The client
drives the agenda for the call and often has worked on a mutually
agreed upon "assignment" from the previous session. Some clients feel
it speeds their progress by e-mailing the coach with thoughts ahead of
time.
What can you do to address my concerns about confidentiality?
It
is critical that coaches treat all information discussed between client
and coach as confidential. The coaching relationship is built upon
trust. That is one of the pillars of the International Coaching
Federation's code of conduct.
If you have any additional questions, or would like to "try out" coaching
with a no-pressure complimentary phone session, please contact us.
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