Frequently asked questions
What is coaching?
Put simply, coaching is a process that aims to improve performance, working in partnership with the client to move from the ‘here and now’ to meeting their individual goals and objectives. While there are many models of coaching, we do not believe one tool or model fits all. We are not considering the ‘coach as expert’ but instead the coach as a facilitator of learning. There is a big difference between teaching someone and helping them to learn and coaching, fundamentally, is about working with the client so that they reach their own decisions about how to move forward.
Is coaching the same as mentoring?
No, although a coach can sometimes offer a degree of mentoring as part of the coaching sessions. Mentoring tends to involve the mentor passing on advice and knowledge to the client and to introducing them to their network with the aim of facilitating the client’s career progression. Coaching encourages the client to develop their own ideas and thoughts about how to move forward and when a coach has relevant experience they might share that with the client.
How is coaching different to therapy or counselling?
The short answer is that coaching accepts where you are now and focusses on looking forward to where you want to be in the future. Therapy or counselling tend to delve quite a lot into the past and are problem-focused, asking why and exploring the background to issues. Coaching focuses on solutions and introducing positive change.
How do I know you are the right coach for me?
The quality of the relationship between the coach and client is the single most important factor in determining the success of the coaching. Our first session is typically called a ”chemistry call” which is a free phone call where you get the opportunity to better understand what coaching is and how this particular coach might be able to help. It is recommended that you meet with more than one coach before deciding who is the best fit for you.
How long is each coaching session and how frequently should they be held?
The timing and frequency of coaching sessions will depend on circumstances and your needs as a client but typically, each coaching session lasts for 90 minutes and are scheduled every 3-4 weeks. “Chemistry calls” and any calls offered during coaching sessions last between 15 to 30 minutes. Some clients require more frequent coaching sessions in which case this is agreed upfront.
Does coaching offer any guarantees?
Measuring the success of coaching can be challenging but ultimately it should be seen by you in changes to your day-to-day life. Success looks very different to all of us, so up front, success criteria should be discussed with your coach so that the coaching programme can be tailored to meet your objectives. Success measures to consider include: completion/progress toward individual development plans/action plans; leader/employee retention; rate of promotion or promotability, progress made between pre and post 360-degree assessments but there are also many other measure of success.
How do you conduct the coaching sessions?
This depends on distance and preference and is agreed at the start of the coaching relationship. Most often, coaching sessions are conducted via video conferencing as this allows maximum flexibility and convenience for both client and coach. Coaching can however take place in person, either at your workplace or at an offsite venue, whether in a meeting room or more informal setting.
What are the type of questions you might ask me as a coach?
A coaching conversation is very different to one you might have with a friend or co-worker. Coaches tend to ask open-ended questions beginning with “what”, “how” or “when” and are intended to offer the client the scope for deeper thought and reflection. Here are some examples:
What will happen if you do this?
What did you learn?
What are you choices?
What is most important to you?
Is there anything else?
How could you improve your performance?
Will our coaching sessions be confidential?
Yes. Everything you tell us as you coach is fully confidential. I am a member of the International Coach Federation and abide by the ethical standards set out in the ICF Code of Ethics. If your coaching is being sponsored by your company, it will be agreed upfront and with your express permission what information can be shared with your sponsor and/or line manager.
What is my responsibility as the client?
Coaching requires commitment, honesty and a willingness to think about things differently. You will be asked to look more closely at what you are - and are not - doing and to make changes that will move you forward. Your coach will work in partnership with you to explore new ways of thinking and behaving, sometimes challenging your core beliefs, habits and assumptions. Your coaching sessions will often be more successful if you continue to work on your coaching agenda between sessions as well as during sessions.
How do I contact you to ask a question that is not here, or to learn more about your services?
Please feel free to contact us using the ‘Contact us’ details on this website.
