FAQ’s

What is coaching?

Here are a few definitions

• A coach’s primary responsibility is not to teach but to facilitate learning (Myles Downey 1999).
• Coaching is partnering with individuals in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.
• Coaching does not look to the past: it works with the present and the future.
• Coaches help you identify and focus on what’s important. They help you find what’s holding you back, or how your future could and should look.
• Charles Hamrick said, “Through coaching we seek to understand another’s experience, what they notice, and what they desire. We sit beside, looking at the world together. Then we explore through non-judgement and positivity, inviting coachees towards the discovery of internal and external sources and resources. From here, we move to action, overcoming fears – of failure and our limits. We learn new actions, prototype new ways of behaving and practice until the new ways become internalized as our new way of ‘being and doing’ which leads to new experiences – except at a new level, and possibly through a different expression. From there, we start the reflective process again, except to a high energy level – a new level of performance!”
• A coach helps you find the courage and take the time to put you first.

Why/when might I need a coach?

• If you sometimes feel that something is amiss; or feel unsettled or unfulfilled
• If you are frustrated at a lack of growth or self-discipline or hurt, angry or stuck.
• When your instinct is telling you there’s more to life than ‘this’. You’re either afraid or too busy to give this instinct the attention it deserves.

What’s the difference between Coaching, Mentoring, and Consulting?

• A Coach does not claim to be an expert in the field of the Client and is an expert in facilitating learning and goal attainment.
• A Mentor has expertise in the field of the Client.
• A Consultant is an expert in the field of a client and advises on it.
• A Coach facilitates
• A Mentor shares knowledge
• A Consultant advises
• Coaching – the client sets the agenda
• Mentoring – the agenda is set by both client and mentor
• Consultant – the agenda is set by the process and goals.

How much does coaching cost?

The hourly charge for coaching varies depending on these factors:

• The type of coaching, i.e. Career, Business, Life, Executive, etc.
• The level of the Coach’s experience and expertise.
• The Client: if it is a corporate or company – there are usually two clients: the business and the coachee. There is also a reporting system and a delicate balance that needs to provide a safe and confidential space for the coachee while working towards the company’s goals.
• It is important to note that while a coach may bill a certain amount for coaching per hour, you are paying for more than the one-on-one time. It is the coach’s responsibility to reflect, prepare for, and document the session. Look at the coach’s hourly rate as more than the single hour or two that you’ve experienced in direct coaching.

How is Executive Coaching different from Life Coaching

Executive Coaching develops leaders in the context of their current jobs, without removing them from their day to day responsibilities.

Executive coaching focusses on topics associated with professional development.

Executive coaching can focus on topics such as these:

• Personal Development for my career.
• Career
• Leadership coaching for Executives
• Diversity Coaching for Executives
• Burnout

Who pays for my Executive Coaching?

• Executive coaching is a powerful approach for the company’s’ to achieve their goals, therefore most often Executive Coaches are sought out by the company itself.
• If you identify the need for Executive Coaching, contact your CEO or HR Department to make necessary arrangements.

How is confidentiality guaranteed with Executive Coaching if my company is paying?

• A company would usually meet with both the coach and yourself to outline the company goals, objectives and or concerns that prompted the need for Executive Coaching.
• They are informed that any information relating to this brief and the goals as agreed to by the 3 parties will

Why Executive Coaching?

• Executive coaching drives performance.
• Executive Coaching helps you and the business make informed and purpose-driven decisions that ultimately serve the growth and sustainability of both, the business and the individual receiving Executive Coaching.

How effective is Executive Coaching?

• • Executive coaching supports executives across all sectors of business, helping to clarify goals in both their micro and macro environments to help improve their team and personal performance, ultimately to improve the organisations performance.
  • Executive Coaching, where necessary, engages with the broader business to ensure a favourable outcome for all parties.

What if it turns out, after completing Executive Coaching, that I’m no longer suited to my job or the business?

• Should the process reveal that fundamental changes are required in order to achieve both your and your business’s goals, then we explore the options available to you and your business.
• Whatever the outcome in these instances, most of the time Executive coaching is able to ensure that what is good and right for the individual and the business is often the same thing.

What are some of the specific Executive Coaching goals that a coach could help a business with?

• Helping middle and executive managers become more effective and impactful leaders
• Getting a new project off the ground
• Building and leading high-performance teams
• Communicating effectively with diverse audiences
• Enhancing self-awareness and EQ
• Building productive relationships
• Reducing Stress & Anxiety
• Career or Job Transition
• Change Management develop the right tools and perspective to clarify their destination and reach their goals. 

For how long should I see a coach?

• To get the best results from coaching, you would attend at least 6 x 1-hour sessions, which will allow you to experience the entire process from discovery through to behavioural and perspective change.
• It is in the early stages of coaching where moving mental boulders, unlocking belief systems, or solving practical problems, that you may see a coach every week.

The frequency can later be reduced to monthly sessions as required.

Some clients stay with coaches for several years because of the ongoing benefits

What if I am not in your city or cannot get to you for my coaching session?

• Most coaches enjoy the freedom technology offers by coaching people anywhere in the country or world using any of the many tools and apps available to them. These may include WhatsApp; FaceTime; Zoom, or Skype. All you need is good WIFI access.

How do I get started?

• Google or ask your friends or use online groups to refer you to a life coach.
• Select three and start by meeting with all three to get a feel for what you will experience during your coaching relationship.

Most coaches offer a 30-60 minute free ‘Chemistry’ session as it is of vital importance that both you and the coach feel comfortable, safe, and confident in your partnership.

(Yes, it becomes a partnership after that).

At the chemistry session, consider some of these questions:

• What is their style of coaching? Consider what their answer suggests.
• Have they worked in your ‘universe’? We often want someone to understand or have had experiences similar to ours.
• How can they help me?
• Why do they coach?

• Don’t feel obliged to select a coach unless you think you would be able to engage with that person meaningfully.
• Be aware that the chemistry session is also for the coach to determine if they will be able to coach you. They know their style and area of expertise.

Do not take it personally if they choose not to work with you.