FAQs
What is coaching? Coaching is a positive, forward-thinking approach to determining and achieving extraordinary results to personal and professional challenges.
Professional coaches are trained to listen and observe, to customize our approach to meet the client’s needs and to uncover their solutions and strategies. Coaches believe that the client is naturally creative and resourceful and that their job is to provide support and to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity the client already possesses. While the coach provides feedback and an objective perspective, the client is responsible for taking steps necessary to achieve their desired results.
Why hire a life coach? Coaching works. It's supportive to have the assistance of someone who is non-judgmental, a good listener, and capable of thinking “outside the box” to help you make your life more manageable.
The International Coach Federation (ICF) reported that individuals experience the following outcomes as a result of working with a life coach:
- Increased self-awareness (67%)
- Enhanced ability to manage stress (57%)
- Better goal setting (62%)
- Self-discovery (53%)
- More balanced life (60%)
- Increased self-confidence (52%)
How does coaching differ from therapy? Therapists, typically help heal past emotional wounds, and sometimes diagnose and manage mental illness. Coaches do not focus on problems. We see opportunities with clients and focus on solutions. Coaches are forward thinking without dwelling on the past.
How long does the coaching process last? The length of time a client and a coach work together depends on the needs and goals of the client. The minimum length of time is generally 3 months to allow the time and space for the client to develop a plan and to make changes. Many successful people find that they’d like to work with a coach for years to stay at the top of their game.
How can I determine if coaching is right for me? To determine if you could benefit from coaching, start by summarizing what you would expect to accomplish in coaching. When someone has a fairly clear idea of their desired outcome, a coaching partnership can be a useful tool for developing a strategy for how to achieve that outcome with greater ease and speed. Since coaching is a partnership, also ask yourself if you find it valuable to collaborate, to have another viewpoint and to be asked to consider new perspectives. You hire a coach to challenge you! Also, ask yourself if you are ready to devote the time and energy into making real changes in your work or your life. If the answer is yes, then coaching may be a beneficial way for you to grow and develop.
Coaching provides an ongoing dynamic partnership designed to help clients reach their personal and professional goals. Coaches listen, observe, and ask empowering questions, tapping into your innate wisdom. This allows coaches to customize their approach to meet the client’s singular needs. The coach provides ongoing support to enhance skills and resources necessary for success while eliciting solutions and strategies from the client, trusting that they have the creativity, resourcefulness, and wisdom to capture their own answers.
What is the rate of return when you hire a life coach? Your Return on Investment (ROI) is directly correlated to the amount of dedication you demonstrate toward your growth and development. You get what you give.
“Part therapist, part consultant, part motivational expert, part professional organizer, part friend, part nag — the personal coach seeks to do for your life what a personal trainer does for your body.”
~ Minneapolis-St. Paul Star-Tribune
“Who exactly seeks out a coach? Winners who want even more out of life.”
~ Chicago Tribune
“Got a nagging feeling that your life could be more fulfilling? Want to change direction but aren’t sure how to do it? Here’s how to jump start your new life today … Hire a personal coach.”
~Modern Maturity