What, Why, When

What will a Coach do for me?

A coach provides an ongoing partnership to help you achieve more fulfilling results in your personal and/or professional life. The coach is there to help you be the best you can be, and to focus your efforts on getting where you want to go.

How? A professional Coach is trained to listen, observe, harvest information and customise her approach to your needs. The Coach elicits solutions and strategies from you. The Coach holds that you are naturally creative--i.e. capable of stretching yourself enough to try on new approaches and attitudes that are pertinent and productive--and resourceful, i.e. you know where to turn (internally or externally) to find the ingredients needed, or acknowledge those missing, to meet your personal and/or professional goals.

What’s the difference between a coach and a really good friend?

Not easy to find a coach that fits who you are and who you want to be. But once found, the relationship of trust you build with a coach is a rare one. For many reasons. You probably won't be quite as honest about yourself with anyone else in your life; and your coach will be more honest with you (and about you) than anyone else in your life. It is liberating and energising to be heard and understood, and be granted the time and space to say what you think and hear what you say.

And very importanly, a coach isn’t a psychotherapist, psychologist, trainer or mentor. And because coaches do not provide prescriptions, ready-made answers or solutions, coaches are not consultants.

Can anyone benefit from coaching?

Yes. But not everyone is ready for it. Coaching is for the ambitious, for people who want everything from life—and then some. Coaching is a contact sport for those not shy about confronting themselves. Coaching is for those brave enough to take a journey into uncharted lands, or a new lease on an old life. Coaching is for you if you dream of growing, changing, achieving.

When do I call a coach?

Most people play life smaller than they want to. For many reasons: their families, spouses, employers, conscience, etc. Then some wake up and decide to take control. They call a coach because they know that life is not a solitary sport, that support is not a frill or a fashion, but a strategic element of success—however you define the word. Coaches call your bluff, dare you to dream, and challenge you to be the best you can be.

How much time does coaching take?

Though it typically takes at least 3 months to experience life-altering shifts from coaching, some of the subtle shifts that occur within the space of one session can have a profound impact. 

Standard coaching format is generally, when geographically possible, an initial face to face session, then three or four conversations (45 minutes) per month. The idea is to provide a regular dose of reflection and follow through.

The limited period of time ensures that the coaching tackles the essential elements. It gets to the point, focuses on what needs attention at the time so that you can be who you want to be, do what you want to do, and have what you want to have. Coaching is about results, not just talking.

Try a sample session!