F.A.Q.’s
LIFE COACHING Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this therapy? No, coaching is not therapy. While both are very valuable in moving you past roadblocks in life, their approaches differ in many ways. Coaching is about taking you from where you are now and moving you forward. Therapy often involves extensively examining your past to define how you got to where you are in the first place. Coaches do not diagnose or treat any psychiatric disorders.
So, what is coaching? Coaching is a collaborative process, in which I help you grow or change or adapt. We will define with clarity what you really want in your life, or in a part of your life. Together we will approach your goals as a game. It is so much more fun to play a game, than to struggle with life as many people do! We will be sure you are “playing a winnable game” i.e., be certain you have aligned the resources, skills, environment and activities that enable you to win the game as you define it…and deserve it!
How will you help me do that? At every step I bring myself to you 100% with my personal, business and professional experience sharpened with coaching education, training and skills.
I listen to you, not for judgment, but for understanding. I ask questions that allow you to think in new and revealing ways. I motivate, encourage and support you every step of the way. I help you bring clarity and focus upon your true passions and dreams. I co-create systems and environments that support you in your life game. I hold you to your inner highest standard….accountable for your personal best!
Who uses a coach? Athletes, entertainers, individuals, families, small businesses, large corporations and you! Coaching is found in every industry and situation you can imagine. Life offers personal and business challenges, some we choose and some are thrust upon us. Coaching offers positive responses for people and for businesses through open exploration, connection with your real passions and purposes, clear goal setting, structure of usable resources, and planned activities for success.
Characteristics common to most successful coaching clients:
They are willing to ask questions and challenge perceptions. They are willing to reveal the truth, learn from it and take action. They have a vision, or an occasional inkling, of a better life. They are highly functioning, intelligent people with a desire to realize their best.
It is commonly known that top performers in all walks of life use coaches. Coaching is also a great tool for ordinary people, who could be extra-ordinary.
How long should I expect to need a coach? The length of time a Client retains a Coach varies by client and situation. A minimum of sixty to ninety days is usually needed for solid and measurable life change. Larger changes and bigger goals may take longer to implement. I prefer a simple month-to-month arrangement. Both parties should be observing and experiencing positive results from our joint efforts. Either party may terminate the arrangement immediately by proper written notice.
What types of things do I work on with you as my coach? You choose that of which you want less, or that of which you want more.
How about less of these? Fear / Frustration / Boredom / Resentment / Disappointment / Doubt / Confusion / Overwhelm / Indecision / Exhaustion / Emotional and Financial Bankruptcy
Or how about more of these? Joy / Hope / Confidence / Balance / Abundance / Peace / Energy / Motivation / Clarity / Action / Time / Fun / Productivity / Freedom / Courage / Money
Seriously, can you really do all that? No, not without you! This is not a quick fix, Coach does the all the work, concept. I’m the coach and I provide the equipment, environment, and training activities. I’m also your #1 fan. And you are the player with the passion and willingness to act and succeed at your chosen game. I will hold you responsible throughout the process, until one of two things happens. Either you quit. Or you let me go because we have succeeded and, most importantly, you’ve got the skills to keep it that way!
How do we do this coaching thing? The power of coaching is effective through many mediums. Many coaches, including myself, have practices (international, domestic and local) sustained entirely by telephone, faxes and e-mail.
Policies and Procedures You Should Know Up Front
Rescheduling: Coaching time is a priority for both of us. Schedule changes are inevitable from time to time, but please provide a 24-hour notice except in emergency.
Billing: Monthly payment in full is due at our first session of each month or program cycle. I accept checks, money orders, cashiers checks. Failure to pay on time, or without repeated prompting, hurts our working and professional relationship, just as would my not showing up or my multi-tasking during our session.
Extra Time: If we run over, don’t worry. I’m prepared for some things to take longer than the scheduled time ( some things…not everything!)
E-mail and Updates: If you’re facing a difficult challenge or an exciting development, I want to know. Phone or e-mail me for a quick update. There is no cost…this is included in your regular coaching fee.
Confidentiality: The coach/client relationship is both personal and professional. My clients must always feel safe in what they share. I encourage you to share the unvarnished truth with me. I am ready to hear it, and it remains safely in my care. I practice a strict No Disclosure policy.
Referrals: My practice is almost exclusively by referral. I love and appreciate them. When you begin to see results, please share your experience and my name with others.
Satisfaction Guarantee: I intend to bring the best I have to offer to my clients. I strive to provide value during every call. We close each call with a brief assessment of that value, to be sure we’re on track together. If for any reason, you don’t feel you are getting the value you expected within the first three sessions, you can request a full refund of all fees paid to date. Your success is important, whether or not you are my client. If we discontinue our relationship, I will gladly help place you with another coach if you wish.
Call Etiquette: You will have my total focus and commitment during our time together. Please make sure you are in a quiet place, free from interruptions and distractions.
I hope I have been able to answer many of your questions. If not, please bring them to me in our next conversation. I look forward to getting to know you.
Thank You!