Act 2

Coaching is a relatively new field of expertise, which was started by Thomas Leonard in the late 80’s and early 90’s. The idea behind coaching is that we all can benefit from a professionally trained mentor or coach who can listen objectively and serve as a partner in moving us forward toward whatever it is we want to accomplish and/or change in our lives. The coach provides the focus, structure, support, and encouragement to help their clients do, be and accomplish more than they even expect.

This is probably one of the few times in your life when it’s expected that you talk about yourself with no fear of reprisal. Coaching is about you – who you want to be and what you want to accomplish. Don’t think of it as “selfish”; instead think of it as “self-full”. Selfish has a connotation that someone will suffer. On the other hand, hiring a coach (being self-full) will help you discover, use and enjoy the best attributes, skills, and talents and values of you.

How long does a client typically work with a coach?

• According to the International Coach Federation survey, the duration of a coaching relationship average around 9 months.
• Some clients have a very specific set of goals they want to accomplish. Others use a coach as a consistent forum for discussion, feedback, discovery and growth.
• Often clients will come and go depending on what issues, challenges and opportunities occur.

What does it cost to hire a coach?

• As you might imagine, it varies according to the assignment at hand.
• I am flexible and charge by the hour, by the month or by a set price for a workshop.

What about confidentiality?

• Confidentiality is assured in a coaching relationship. If you want to tell others you are working with a coach that is certainly your prerogative but I don’t.
• Good coaches have a short and easy to read document on policies and procedures which lays out the confidentiality agreement among other items.

Isn’t coaching like therapy?

• Therapy is primarily for the purpose of diagnosing and healing mental illness. The therapist deals with emotional/behavioral issues and seeks to bring the client to normal function. Coaching, on the other hand, is designed as a catalyst to support full functioning and capable individuals in making desired changes in their work and/or personal life.

Isn’t coaching like consulting?

• Consulting is about solving specific problems and providing expertise, information, direction and advice. Coaches use well-crafted questions, as well as other techniques to help clients tap into their own experience, knowledge and wisdom for answers. Once the client has identified his/her own “answers”, coaches play a very active and ongoing role as the client takes action and implements change.

Isn’t a good friend just like a coach?

• A friend can be loving and supportive as a sounding board and a cheerleader. Coaches are this also, and, they bring skills, perspective and objectivity to the relationship without emotional attachment to the client’s choices.