Frequently Asked Questions
What is coaching?
The International Coaching Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
How is coaching different from mentoring or counseling?
The ICF offers the following descriptions of coaching, mentoring and counseling.
Coaching: Professional coaching is a distinct service focused on setting goals, creating outcomes and managing personal or team change. Outcomes are linked to personal, professional, or team success. Coaching is forward moving and future focused. The coaching agenda is co-created to meet the specific needs of the client (coachee) or team. The coach asks thought-provoking questions, helping clients clarify goals and purpose, identify existing and potential stopping points, make important decisions, and take action.
Mentoring: Mentors draw from their experience and resources to provide insight, guidance, and advice. They typically function in a reactive capacity, responding to issues as they arise. The mentoring agenda is set by the mentee. The mentor supports that agenda. In the mentoring relationship, the mentee is more likely to ask questions, tapping into the mentor’s expertise.
Counseling: Counseling, or therapy, deals with healing pain, dysfunction, and conflict within an individual or a relationship between two or more individuals. The focus is often on resolving difficulties arising from the past which hamper an individual’s emotional functioning in the present, improving overall psychological functioning, and dealing with present life and work circumstances in more emotionally healthy ways. Therapy outcomes often include improved emotional/feeling states.
How long is a coaching session?
A typical coaching session is for one (1) hour.
What can I expect in a one-on-one coaching session?
You’ll come to the session with a topic in mind. A topic can be personal or professional, and should be current, unresolved, and relevant to you. After clarifying your topic, we will start a conversation in which I am listening at a very deep level, asking you questions, and offering observations. You will be doing most of the talking. I will get a sense of where you are now and where you want to be. I may pick up on things you may not be saying, identify self-limiting or self-affirming beliefs you may be holding, inquire if an internal critic is at play, help you recognize internal stopping points, and help you discover new possibilities. Together we will define your core values and purpose. I will serve as your mirror, your cheerleader, and at times, your challenger, holding you accountable for the changes you want to make. Everything we do in coaching is in service of getting you where you want to be.
Do you offer hands-on support, such as help with cover letters and resumes?
Yes! Sometimes a career move requires support that is a little less coaching, and little more mentoring. A blend of coaching and hands-on support can be the recipe for success. Whether you are seeking a different job in your current organization or dreaming of a complete career change, I can help. I offer a variety of services including career and personality assessments, 360 degree review facilitation, and support in writing your cover letter and resume, crafting your LinkedIn profile, designing your career search and networking strategy, practicing for interviews, and preparing for negotiations. We can include in any or all of those ingredients when we build your coaching plan.
How many coaching sessions should I have?
I typically meet with clients twice a month for 6 months. However, we will co-create a coaching plan to suit your individual needs.
Where do we meet?
We will meet by phone or Zoom.
What will I get out of career or leadership coaching?
Through coaching you will:
Clarify your goals Define your core values Discover your purpose Focus your energy
Affirm your leadership philosophy Shift from reactive to creative Master internal stopping points
Harness your strengths Grow your confidence Prioritize your time Empower others
Take action on what matters Hold yourself accountable Celebrate your growth
Claim your personal and professional joy!
What will my team get out of coaching?
Through coaching your team will:
Operate with focus and direction Work with a common set of core values
Hold themselves and each other accountable Communicate more effectively
Resolve conflicts and disagreements efficiently Make faster and better decisions
Adapt more easily to changing conditions Improve productivity and performance
Sustain a high level of engagement and morale
Set an example of how teams in the organization can work together effectively
How much does coaching cost?
Hiring me is investing in yourself or your team, with a commitment to see things in new ways and make major changes. It takes both of our time and energy. I make the same significant commitment to your vision.
30 minute chat to see if coaching is right for you: free!
Career and Leadership Coaching: For a coaching plan of meeting 2X per month for 6 months, my rate is $190/one-hour session.
Team Coaching: Cost is determined based on team needs and will be established when we co-create the coaching agreement.
Costs of additional services such as job search strategy design, resume writing, and interview preparation vary.
What do I do next?
Schedule a free 30 minute chat or email me and we’ll go from there. I don’t give a sales pitch. There is no pressure or obligation. It is important that you find the right coach for you or your team. I’ll just be curious to learn a little about your interest in coaching, and will answer any questions you have. I look forward to hearing from you!