Frequently Asked Questions
You are
about to experience a new way of learning
and moving forward with your personal and
professional goals. To get the most out of
the coaching experience, read the following
information. It will give you an understanding
of what coaching is all about.
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What is
coaching?
Coaching is a collaborative relationship
between equals based on the value and expression of
mutual respect between coach and client. It is a client-centred
process, which addresses issues specific to that client
at a particular moment in time - just in time and at
the point of readiness. Coaching starts wherever the
client wishes to start.
Coaching begins with the premise that people have the
answers to their own issues and it's the coach's responsibility
to ask the questions that elicit those answers. The
right questions enable a client to draw on their own
resources and, for the most part, come up with their
own solutions and action plans. This is key - rather
than giving advice, coaching draws out and builds on
what the client already knows.
For example, a recent client usually responded negatively
to employees when they came to him 'out of the blue'
with a suggestion or request. Coaching uncovered his
need for information and time to determine whether their
projects/suggestions had merit. We worked on strategies,
which included defining his needs as well as becoming
more comfortable in handling 'surprises'.
How does the Coaching Process Work?
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Setting
the Structure - Typically the coaching process starts
with the coach and the client defining their roles,
responsibilities, and guidelines including number
and length of sessions, cancellation and rebooking.
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Identifying
Target Goals and Objectives - The coach and client
may also establish a contract (usually written)
outlining exactly what the client wants to change
or do differently. Usually no more that three or
four goals would be identified for the first coaching
contract . Having a contract allows both parties
to link each session back to the contract to ensure
they are on track.
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Assessment
& Awareness - Each goal or objective is tackled
by the coach and client and they collaborate to
understand what is working and what isn't.
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Focusing
on one Issue at a Time - Issues are selected by
the client.
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Creating
a Plan of Action - Actions and strategies are usually
co-created, specific and the client is accountable
to complete them prior to the next coaching session.
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Evaluating
Progress - Each session begins with a review of
strategies and skills practiced. The end of each
session includes a link to goals and objectives
to ensure you are on track. |
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How
does coaching differ from training, counselling,
therapy and mentoring?
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Training typically provides a broader array
of information, which may or may not have
application for each participant.
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Counselling presupposes that the client doesn't
have the answers and goes to an 'expert' for
advice, instruction or direction. (Some counselling
will happen in the coaching arena.)
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Therapy is the process of understanding why
we do or don't do what we do.
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Mentoring is the use of a highly experienced
'advisor' who offers guidance, advice and
the voice of experience. |
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When would you use it?
Coaching helps people manage the
transition from old ways to new. Use it
anytime you need clarity regarding issues
of intensity or to learn or change ways
of working. Use it in any situation where
you want to change the way you do something.
Involving people in the change process increases
their commitment to making it happen. Studies
have shown that people perform more than
66 percent better after coaching than if
they had just taken a course.
For example, if an organization is going
through major changes like mergers, downsizing,
doing more with less, etc., coaching will
assist people in adapting to change much
faster.
What
is the benefit of writing during a coaching
session?
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To
shift perspective. When you feel confused
or worried thinking styles change reducing
ability to problem solve. Writing things
down increases awareness and helps you
maintain a non-stressed thinking style.
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To
support change. Documentation is the
best way to reach the point where you
take action and maintain and sustain
your efforts.
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To
record growth. Writing is a safe, private
way to get to know yourself. It enables
you to get to the core of issues much
faster. People are often surprised at
what they write and how quickly they
can see possible solutions.
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To enhance wellbeing. Dr. James Pennebaker,
author of 'Opening Up the Healing Power
of Confiding in Others' has studied
the impact of writing on health. One
hour of writing increases our immune
system functioning for up to six weeks. |
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Whether you manage people or are part
of a team, giving feedback is absolutely
crucial. People want to know two things
- when they are doing a good job and
how
they might do better. Learn how to
capitalize on tried and true methods
to become
adept with bosses, co-workers and
clients.
What
you need to bring to the coaching
session?
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A readiness to learn,
share and consider options
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Openness,
curiosity and willingness
to try new ways of doing
things |
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