What is coaching?
Coaching is a process used to help people achieve goals to enhance their lives and careers. Many processes can be used to bring about the discovery of one's inner wisdom and help the person leverage that knowledge to new realities and goal achievement.
What is Leadership Success Coaching?
Leadership Success Coaching is designed to assist supervisors, managers, and executives leverage opportunities to enhance their careers and lives. Supervisors have interests in becoming successful through the efforts of employees and need close affiliation with their managers. Managerial interests and executives have similar interests however the overall scope is expanded to include visionary and strategic management emphasis. Each classification has similarities and differences that are brought out by the coach to achieve optimum success based on personal and organizational needs.
How do I find the "right" coach for me?
First, only use a "certified" coach which is someone who has completed an International Coach Federation accredited training course. The ICF website has a list of accredited schools and member coaches. Second, find a coach who has the background you are looking for (business, life, etc). Third, meet with the coach and determine your comfort level. You should feel comfortable with the person you will be sharing your inner dreams and aspirations with for the future.
Is coaching supposed to "change" me?
Coaching changes nothing. You are the one who determines whether you want to change something or not. Nothing is forced on you. You become aware of choices and opportunities and it is through that awareness that you determine your direction. You may stay right where you are, or move forward to a "new" place in your life. It's all up to you.
Is coaching intended to "fix" someone?
No, it is intended to help a person understand the dynamics of their role with the organization and leverage their efforts to achieve the greatest good for the organization and for himself/herself.
Do coaches give advice?
Certified coaches are trained to help you find your own answers. In certain situations, coaches may offer insights to help you find answers but usually do not provide you with advice. Individuals achieve greater results by using their own "inner wisdom" as opposed to a coach telling him/her what to do.
What's the difference between psychotherapy and coaching?
Psychotherapy is focused on helping a person deal with his/her past and various traumas they have experienced that are troubling him/her. Coaching is focused on the future and helping a person assess his/her future and the choices to be made to accomplish his/her future goals. It is "forward looking" as opposed to "backward looking."
Is coaching really confidential?
Yes, coaching can only be effective in an environment of absolute confidentiality. When an organization hires a coach to work with employees, the only communication received by the organization comes from the "coachee" and never the coach. This relationship built on trust is crucial to the success of coaching. The coach and coachee sign an agreement emphasizing the importance of trust which adds to the formality of this very special relationship.
How does management know they are receiving value for coaching services?
First, they will notice changes in the behaviors of the person being coached. Second, coaches often encourage the "coachee" to discuss 3-4 specific goals they are working on with their supervisor. This usually takes place 1-2 months after the start of the coaching engagement.
How much does it cost?
First, if hired by an organization, the organization pays for the services. Typically, leadership coaching costs between $400 and $1500 per hour. It is a substantial investment with often extraordinary outcomes for both the person and the organization. Research shows conservatively a 6:1 return on investment for coaching services.
Are assessments used in the coaching process?
Yes. They are used to help the client learn more about himself/herself. My increasing knowledge of self, individuals learn how to effectively use their strengths and work with limitations to achieve the best possible results.
What types of assessments are used?
We use 360 multi-rater feedback to learn how people close to you view you. In addition, we use The Personal Profile SystemTMto learn your behavioral strengths and limitations (which can be resolved). The Leadership Wheel and Career Wheel both give opportunities to view your work competencies and the Values Assessment is used to bring out the values you find most important and how well you believe you live up to them.
How do 360 multi-rater feedback assessments work?
Multi-rater feedback involved people (respondents) selected by the client to provide feedback on criteria established by the coach and client. Many criteria can be selected including leadership, communication, listening skills, various people skills, organization, empowerment, etc. This is an anonymous process so respondent comments and ratings are never known. It provides an excellent basis for establishing goals. Six months to one year after the first assessment, the client may desire to have the assessment repeated to measure progress.
How does The Personal Profile SystemTM work?
This assessment, often referred to as "DiSC" for the four basic styles of behavior, assesses the natural tendencies humans have in response to their environment. By understanding our natural tendencies, we can leverage our best to achieve optimum results. For example, someone who is naturally very dominant can learn to manage that tendency to achieve the best results with those who may not understand or appreciate that style of behavior.
What is the Values Assessment?
The Values Assessment allows the client to identify those values that are most important to him/her. If organizational requirements (policies/procedures) conflict with personal values, issues can develop blocking success. The Values Assessment can be completed each six months to determine changes and develop strategies for effectively dealing with the changing environment.
How does the Leadership Wheel work?
It works by helping the client view critical leadership functions and their views of their competency. For example, if a client believes their competency or comfort level is low in a specific function, it may be an area for coaching to be increased.
How does the Career Wheel work?
It works in a similar manner as the Leadership Wheel by helping the client identify competencies falling short and developing strategies to enhance them.
Do I have work I have to do?
Yes, from time to time assignments are given to help you achieve your desired goals. It is important to complete assignments as agreed so progress can be achieved. In addition, there are behavioral changes you need to work on, and which require time to make progress. One example could be how you conduct yourself with other employees.
What is "Shadow Coaching?"
It is a process where the coach follows you closely every step of your day for anywhere from one to five days or more. Communication between the two of your is limited in most cases while the coach observes you in many different environments. At the end of the shadow coaching period, a complete debriefing occurs giving you extremely valuable insights into your strengths and opportunities.
What do I tell people who wonder who you, my coach is?
You may tell them what you are comfortable telling them, or nothing at all. Many people will say "I am fortunate to be working with a certified leadership coach who is giving me valuable insights to enhance my career.
How long will coaching last?
Some people use coaches for about three months while others use them for years. It depends on what the person wants to accomplish and how long it takes them to move through various processes to achieve the desired results. Three months is a good starting point with assessment of goals at that point. Based on the goals, coaching may continue on a weekly or bi-weekly basis and ultimately be spaced out to monthly. It all depends on the person's needs.
What if I don't feel I am gaining what I need from coaching?
The coaching agreement can be terminated with 30 days written notice by either the coach or client. However, the first step is to identify what is not working and why. It may be possible to salvage the relationship and investment. If that doesn't work, the client may be provided with another coach, or termination of the agreement.
