Coaching FAQ
How is coaching different from consulting?
Generally,
Consultants
are recognized as experts in their field, who either sell their advice
or perform their expert actions (or both) to complete a task or project
on their client’s behalf. Credit or acclaim for the work done or the
achievements is often given to the consultant. Consultants typically
maintain a certain professional distance and rarely form a close enough
relationship with a client to surface the behaviors that might be
getting in the way of achieving goals.
Coaches focus on their client to achieve the goals chosen
by the client and work with them to develop their own expertise and take
actions necessary to achieve their goals. Coaching supports tend to be
fully customized around the client’s unique needs, strengths, and
aspirations and typically clients and coaches form a strong confidential
and open relationship.
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How is coaching different from therapy?
Therapy
usually focuses on helping clients overcome past problems that encumber
their ability to function in a normal day-to-day manner. In therapy,
clients often revisit past life events to discover and resolve
conflicting issues. Coaching focuses on the client achieving future
goals chosen by the client. Therapists have specific expertise that
varies from that of a coach, and are trained to deal effectively with a
range of mental health issues. Coaches and therapists are usually pretty
good at determining with a client when one or the other option is most
appropriate.
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What
are the benefits of coaching?
Among the numerous benefits of coaching are:
- Being listened to by
someone who listens with your best interests in mind.
- Being challenged to go
beyond where you would go yourself.
-
Having someone you can
explore options with.
- Having a safe protected
space in your life to try out new ideas.
- Arriving at an action plan
that suits your life.
- Being able to change
direction and try something new.
- Acquiring greater
satisfaction from your life and work.
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How do I know if
I could benefit from a coach?
- You are already thinking
about taking positive action to change some aspect of your career, business or life.
- You want increased
fulfillment and meaning in your life and are willing to take necessary
steps.
- You hunger for greater
clarity and focus about what you want in life.
- You want to shift from
reacting to events to being proactive.
- You want to align your
livelihood with your life goals.
- You want to set priorities
so that you have time to nurture yourself and others you care for.
- You want to realize your dreams and aspirations sooner
rather than later.
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How do I find
or select the right coach for me?
There are several steps in finding or
selecting a coach. It is important to understand that coaching is all
about you: your life, goals, needs, wants, desires, and dreams.
It is not about the coach. There are many coaches available, and you
should be able to find the one that is right for you. If you feel you
are ready for a coach, it is important to:
- Do some research about coaches
in your area of interest.
- Be as clear as possible about
what you want to get out of coaching.
- Understand the basics about
what to expect from a coach.
- Interview more than one coach.
- Have your questions prepared.
- Commit to the process and
retain your coach.
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What
kinds of questions should
I ask a prospective coach?
Some areas of inquiry are:
-
Coaching experience—The number
of people the coach has worked with or number of years of coaching
experience or the types of coaching experience.
-
Coaching specialty—The area or
areas that the coach is proficient in.
-
Specialized skills—Skill,
experience and/or training that the coach can bring to you.
-
Coaching philosophy—Specific
coaching success stories or examples of individuals who have done well
or examples of value they have added.
-
Length of time the coach
typically works with individuals who have situations similar to yours.
-
Fees—How much and how are
they normally paid?
When you are ready to retain your coach, be prepared to
sign a “Coaching Agreement.” Most coaches have an agreement that
specifies the number and length of sessions per month, the initial
duration of the coaching arrangement, agreed upon fee, etc. You may
also be asked to sign a credit card authorization to make payments
convenient. Many coaches have several startup documents they gather
into a “Welcome Packet.” These documents usually aid the coach in
getting to know you more quickly and efficiently
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