Frequently
Asked Questions:
What
is coaching?
Coaching is a specific process of
interaction designed to help you achieve your business vision and
goals, frequently more quickly and effectively than you would on your
own. Coaching helps you break through limitations and obstacles that
hold you back, and develop the strategies, actions, mindset and
discipline you need to attain the results you're after.
Am I a good candidate for coaching?
There are three prerequisites for a successful coaching engagement:
1) You need
to know the outcome you want to achieve or the direction in which you
want to move.
2) You must have a sense of urgency about achieving your outcome.
3) You must be willing to make changes and do the work to make them.
What makes coaching effective?
Coaching is effective for three main reasons:
1) It
provides structure, discipline, and regular focused attention to what
you want to achieve. In the coaching process, you break down those big
goals that may seem unrealistic or unachievable into manageable chunks.
2) A good coach helps you see what you cannot see on your own, because
you’re too close to your own situation. This includes ways you may be
holding yourself back and opportunities that may you may not recognize.
3) The coaching relationship helps keep you on-track and accountable
for the actions you take in pursuit of your goals.
What goes on in a coaching session?
I ask you focused questions designed to elicit goals, ideas,
strategies, obstacles, opportunities, and solutions. I give you
feedback, suggestions, and assignments designed to stretch you and
forward your agenda. I help you stay on-track and accountable for your
commitments and measure your progress along the way.
How do we meet and how often?
We meet two to four
times per month. Meetings are 60-70 minutes. If you live in the Los
Angeles area, we can meet in person. If you live outside of LA, we can
meet on the phone or by video chat. Extended sessions, and group
processes are available.
Who is coaching for?
Coaching is for individuals and companies committed to performing at a
high level and improving their business operations and results.
Coaching can benefit individuals or organizations at various stages of
development, including:
- Those who are presently in or near
business, financial, or relationship crisis and need an immediate change
- Those who are coasting or just
surviving and want to raise their standards and move to a new level
- Those who are thriving and want to
pursue an even higher standard of excellence
Why do people hire a coach?
Businesses and individuals hire coaches for a variety of reasons, but
the bottom line is that they want a way to bridge the gap between their
present circumstances and some future state or goal faster, easier, and
more efficiently. Some of the typical reasons people hire coaches are
to help them create effective strategies and design specific actions to:
- Improve individual or
organizational performance, productivity, and profitability
- Increase sales
- Achieve important business
objectives
- Enhance communication and
collaboration and team performance
- Provide a sounding board for
executives and other decision-makers
- Improve time management, stop
overworking, and have a more balanced life
- Reduce or eliminate unnecessary
stress
- Have or find a more satisfying
career
How much does coaching cost?
I have several coaching packages available. The cost varies depending
your particular needs and the package that suits you. I will answer any
questions you have about pricing once we determine what coaching
package will serve you best. Contact me to set up an interview. I
accept major credit cards.
How is coaching different from psychotherapy?
Most forms of psychotherapy examine your present behavior, beliefs,
relationships, and self-image, and attempt to trace their roots back to
relationships in the past. As its name implies, therapy treats a
condition that requires healing. In general, therapy looks to the past
to understand and work on the issues and problems of the present.
In contrast, the context of coaching is the future you want to have and
designing the necessary strategies, mindset and actions to get there
from the present. In the process, the influences of the past may come
up, but always in the context of what you want to have in the future.
Though coaching recognizes the influence of the past, it assumes you
are a whole person, capable of moving on and taking responsibility for
your current and future actions.
How is coaching
different from consulting?
Most consultants are subject-matter experts who perform actual work or
give technical advice. Some examples of consultants are accountants,
financial advisors, and training specialists. In contrast, a coach is
an expert at enhancing your competency and performance. A good coach is
an expert in strategic thinking and planning, human performance,
success strategies, communication and influence, and group and
interpersonal dynamics. Another way coaching differs from consulting is
that the coach does not perform work on your behalf; instead, he or she
helps you work smarter and focus on doing what you do best, in order
for you to achieve your business objectives.
How is coaching different from talking to a friend?
A coach is an ally, but different from a friend in a couple of
respects. First of all, a coach is trained specifically in how to work
with you in clarifying and achieving your goals. Secondly, a coach
brings objectivity and neutrality to the table. A coach is a
non-stakeholder, off the playing field of your business and life, and
that's an important advantage. A coach's only agenda is to see you
succeed at the goals you set. Finally, unlike some friends, most
coaches are success-oriented, positive, and know how to recognize and
harness human potential.
How long do people coach?
I work with clients
for a minimum of six months. Because my clients see the strategic
advantage of coaching, most choose to continue the engagement
longer—the average is 14 months. Some people find coaching so
beneficial that they choose to incorporate it as a regular part of
their life, much like working with a personal trainer.
How do I find out more?
Contact me by phone or
e-mail to arrange a phone interview.
Is there anyone who shouldn't
see a coach?
Coaching is for those who are ready to move ahead and accept
responsibility for their circumstances and actions. It is not for those
who are looking to be guided, rescued, or told what to do.
Coaching is not to be construed as, or as a replacement for,
psychotherapy, legal counsel, or financial or medical advice. Coaching
can be compatible with psychotherapy.
How should I go about selecting a coach?
Many coaches will give
you a free initial consultation. Talk to your prospective coach about
what you want to achieve and what your concerns are. Ask questions and
listen to the questions the coach asks you. A good coach seeks to
understand and draw the best out of you. A good coach doesn't jump to
advice or tell you what to do, but helps draw solutions from you.
There are some coaches
who may attempt to dazzle you with their charming upbeat personalities
and brilliance. They may build you up and promise you phenomenal
results. No coach can guarantee you great results—your results are up
to you. If the coach asks thoughtful questions to better understand you
and your situation, that's a good sign. If he makes assumptions or
jumps instantly to conclusions and proposes solutions, watch out—he may
be operating from his own ego, rather than having your best interests
at heart.
The coaching
conversation should be about you, not the coach's achievements. Pay
attention to your gut feelings. You should feel that the coach has a
genuine desire to understand your situation and objectives and support
you in achieving them.
Feel free to ask the
coach for references from his clients.
What qualifies someone to be a coach?
These days a lot of
people are calling themselves coaches. Currently, there are no laws in
place to restrict anyone from hanging out his or her shingle and
starting a coaching practice. Though someone’s innate and acquired
wisdom are valuable elements in coaching, wisdom and experience alone
do not make someone a good coach.
Many coaches receive specific coach training. I'm very fortunate to
have had outstanding training. I was personally mentored for four years
by a Master Executive and Business Coach who has been in the business
for over 20 years and has some worked with thousands of people and many
well-known companies. I also attended Corporate Coach University
International, where I was trained by a number of highly experienced
business and corporate coaches from all over the world. I am a
certified Master Practitioner of NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming—a
system of technologies for improving human communication, influence,
and performance). I am dedicated to excellence in my field and
regularly attend trainings and seminars to sharpen my skills so I can
better serve my clients.
