How does coaching work?
Coaching is an ongoing series of weekly phone conversations, generally 30 to 45 minutes long, where the coach keeps the client motivated and on track toward their goals. Like an athletic coach, the business and life coach's job is to offer feedback, insight, and support, and to keep the client focused, motivated, and moving rapidly in the right direction.
How often do the coach and client meet?
It depends on the client's need and schedule. We generally meet with clients three times a month in 45-minute sessions.
Will a coach tell me what to do?
In general, no. Coaches motivate and support clients by offering observations and questions to keep clients on track. A consultant will tell you what needs to be done, and sometimes even do it for you. A coach will guide you to find the exact right path for you.
So is it like therapy?
No, coaching isn’t therapy. Therapy focuses on your history, and the trauma and problems that might be holding you back. Coaching focuses on your future, helping you identify your own personal values, motivators and life purpose which keep you excited and on track toward major life changes. In coaching there is nothing to ‘work out.' Coaching assumes you’re perfectly fine the way you are.
How do you know when you’re ‘done’ coaching? How long does coaching take?
At the start of coaching clients complete an intake sheet, listing three to five very specific goals for coaching. We ask clients for an initial three-month commitment so they have time to make the really big changes they crave. Most of our clients continue coaching for six to nine months. However, if either the client or we don’t feel that coaching is working well, then of course there is no obligation to continue, even within the first three months.
What kind of results can I expect?
Most clients notice an immediate shift in their productivity and attitude. They report getting more done with less effort; having more energy; being more organized and focused; spending time focusing on what matters most, and an overall well-being. Many clients choose to make a career or other life change. The possibilities are endless, and are only limited by what you imagine for yourself. For a list of ideas, please see 101 Reasons to Hire a Coach.
What are your fees?
Our coaching fees for individual clients are based on your needs, budget and availability. We offer coaching packages customized to each client's needs. Our coaching fees for corporate contracts are also available on request. Please contact us for an estimate.
Where does the coaching take place?
Sessions are conducted over the phone or at our office in Chanhassen, MN. Corporate coaching usually takes place at the client's office. Coaching contracts typically last from three to six months. We do take on a limited number of sliding scale clients.
What should I look for in a coach?
Choosing a coach is a very personal decision. Among other criteria, you may want to look for a coach with:
- Chemistry: Do you like your coach? Do you think the coach's personal style will challenge yet support you? Do you enjoy talking with this coach?
- Experience & Credentials: How long has this person been a coach? Where did they train? (Clients can find a list of accredited coaching schools at International Coach Federation.) Is the coach an active member of the International Coach Federation and/or a local ICF Chapter? How do they continue their coaching education?
- Specialty Knowledge: Your coach should have some experience that qualifies them to coach in your setting. Clients focusing on career and business needs will want to coach with business experience.
- Testimonials & References: Your coach should be willing to offer information about effectiveness. Ask for client testimonials and references.
What qualifies you to coach?
- Experience & Credentials: We have completed over four hundred hours of intensive, supervised training with the Coaches Training Institute (an accredited ICF school) and are active members of the International Coach Federation and the Minnesota Coaches Association. JP is a Professional Certified Coach through CTI. Most importantly, we're energetic, organized, enthusiastic, open and deeply committed to your success.
- Chemistry: We pride ourselves on our balance of nurturing and supporting our clients, and ‘pushing’ them to their fullest potential. We offer free sample sessions to help clients learn more about coaching. If the chemistry’s not right, we're happy to help clients find another coach who might be a better fit for them.
- Specialty Knowledge: JP has an MBA and sixteen years of business leadership experience. Cathy has a BA and fifteen years of successful change leadership experience. We've lived in Corporate America, managing large teams, consulting nationally and internationally, and running multi-million dollar budgets. We’ve started and built successful small businesses. We have both a strong business background and very full, rich, and balanced personal lives.
- Testimonials & References: These are available upon request. Contact us for more information.
Do you Coach anyone?
We coach motivated individuals who are serious about change. This includes small business owners who want to be more organized and focused, business leaders who want to sharpen their leadership skills, and individuals who crave life balance or a career change. We work with people who are tired of just existing, and want to start really living. If we feel that a client isn’t really motivated to change, then we terminate the coaching relationship.
What is a sign that someone is ready for coaching?
Do you (or does someone you know):
- Wish you had a different career?
- Complain about the same thing, over and over?
- Make the same New Year’s resolution over and over?
- Wish you were more organized and efficient?
- Wish you had time for the things you really love?
- Just know there’s more to life than this?
How can I find out more?
Contact us for a free sample session. In 30 minutes you'll learn more about coaching and determine if coaching is for you. We can be reached at (952) 937-0977 or toll-free at 866-620-7096. We look forward to hearing from you!
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