How Does Coaching Work?
Every coach has their own approach and process. My approach is
described on my How I
Coach page. A clearly
defined process makes for
effective coaching and my role is to foster an environment of
examination, discovery and evolution. The content of our
sessions, however, is up to the client.
First, we have a our
initial
consultation.
Taking
the time to get to know a potential client and discuss what they
are looking for in coaching and — most importantly — if our
styles are a good fit is very important. We will know quickly if the potential for
an effective coaching relationship exists.
After the coaching commitment is made, I send a variety of materials,
including:
- Coaching Agreement: spells out the nature of the coaching
relationship and all the nitty-gritty details of how it will
actually work.
- Payment Authorization Form: coaching services are pre-paid and this form is for
credit card authorization (payment details are spelled out in the Coaching Agreement).
- New Client FAQ: this document explains the parameters and expectations
of the coaching relationship.
- Client Intake Form: this document asks for contact, biographical
and some lifestyle information and provides the client an opportunity to talk about where
they want to go.
- How I Coach: Explains my approach and gives a sense
of what to expect.
- Assessments: I generally ask my clients to take
some time to complete assessments that will give me a
better idea of where they are at currently (later, other
assessments may be used for various strategic purposes).
- Sample Coaching Call Prep Form: I ask all clients to complete
a prep form for each session; it allows the client to focus on how to
make the most of each coaching call.
Then coaching begins! Each week, according to our Agreement,
we will meet on the phone. That, however, is not the limit of
our interaction. I want to be available to my clients. I
encourage clients to e-mail with questions, comments, concerns
or, better yet, triumphs and successes.
I also offer Laser Coaching between sessions for the times when
a short, focused coaching interaction could make a difference.
Laser Coaching is a highly focused and intense coaching session
lasting no more than 10 minutes. It is only effective with a
clearly defined issue/challenge/opportunity and when the client
is able to devote absolute focus to the session. Clients often
use Laser Coaching when they are preparing for an
important interaction of some sort (a meeting, sales call, . .
. ) or just after something that was challenging, confusing or
exhilarating (like a meeting, sales call, . . . ).
Some clients maintain their coaching relationship and continue to work on different
areas of their lives. Others choose a three, six or nine month
block and return to coaching to when it makes sense for
them. No particular length of coaching is ideal; it is different for each
person. It is best to have a graceful transition from coaching
and that is something we will discuss as we approach
the end of a coaching engagement.
For more information, or to schedule an
initial consultation,
please call 860.656.6742.
Or, click here to send e-mail.
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