Frequently Asked Questions
Who benefits from coaching?
Many successful professionals, business leaders and entrepeneurs have coaches, as do outstanding athletes and sport teams. Some people come to coaching with specific goals, others with a sense of imbalance, uncertainty or dissatisfaction they wish to resolve. Many want more from an already satisfying life, a desire which provides excellent motivation.
What can I work on?
The list of possibilities is almost endless...planning retirement, changing to healthier habits, developing new skills, or resolving a troubled relationship. Challenging transitions are also amenable to coaching. These can include career transitions such as job loss, starting a new business, disillusionment with work, difficult bosses or other workplace stressors; relationship situations such as separation, a difficult divorce, renewing a mid-life marriage, parenting a tough child, or dealing with the death of a loved one; and other adversities such as chronic illness or aging parents. Uncertainty and disillusionment often accompany complicated life changes and can trigger a whole new growth phase in our lives.
How is coaching unique?
Coaching is applied positive psychology for adults. We are each healthy, whole and resourceful. By drawing on your inner knowledge and past experiences you will create unique responses to your current situation. Together, we focus on practical, meaningful solutions, starting with the present and moving into the future. As we explore alternatives, I challenge your courage and accountability, give you support, and guide you in "staying the course" on the priorities you've chosen. Coaching involves a unique collaboration, much like mentoring, with a trusted and knowledgeable advisor who believes in you even when your may doubt yourself.
How is coaching delivered?
I begin coaching with an initial session during which we review your current challenges and opportunities, discuss the scope of our coaching relationship, and set preliminary goals and priorities. I like to have this session face-to-face, your office or mine, with follow-up sessions by phone or in-person, usually for 45-60 minutes. The regularity of sessions and duration of our coaching relationship very according to your needs and preferences, but it's a good idea to think in terms of a three month commitment at the outset.
What makes coaching so effective?
Many ingredients make coaching a fulfilling, cost effective investment, not the least of which is your own desire to get more from life. Coaching brings the discipline of regular meetings and feedback together with a priority focus, personal responsibility, specific action plans, and your coach's knowledge of transition and renewal.
