Frequently Asked Questions

What is coaching?
What is NLP?
What is the difference between coaching and training, mentoring, counselling, consultancy?
How does coaching work?
How to make the most of coaching?

What is coaching?

“Coaching is unlocking a person's potential to maximize their own performance. It is helping them to learn rather than teaching them”
Timothy Gallway

Coaching is based on the premise that the client is the expert in their life/work and that he/she has all the necessary resources available to make a positive change. The coach serves as an independent non-judgemental sounding board whose role is to:

• Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve
• Encourage client self-discovery
• Elicit client-generated solutions and strategies
• Hold the client responsible and accountable

(International Coaching Federation)
The coaching relationship is an equal partnership, providing a safe space, structure and support and working jointly towards achieving success for the client.

What is NLP?

NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) was created in the 1970s by Richard Bandler and Dr John Grinder. It has been defined as "the study of excellence", "how we make sense and interact with ourselves and the world" and/or "how we think, feel and act".

• Neuro relates to us processing information via our nervous systems, using our 5 senses.
• Linguistic refers to our verbal language, thoughts as well as body language.
• Programming relates to the patterns of behaviors we all demonstrate, i.e. certain ways we prefer to do things.

NLP is a powerful tool that can usefully be applied in business. Examples include enhanced management and leadership skills, working relationships, career and personal development as well as assistance with stress management, sales and marketing returns, and much more.

What is the difference between coaching and training, mentoring, counseling, consultancy?

While there exists some similarity amongst coaching and other helping activities, e.g. mentoring and coaching both involve one-to-one relationships that provide an opportunity for individuals to reflect, learn and develop, and consultancy and coaching are focussed on action and outcomes, fundamental differences exist. Please click here to learn more.

How does coaching work?

Coaching can take place face-to-face, by telephone or SKYPE, as well as over a period of time or intensively.

Face-to-face coaching
Face-to-face sessions usually take place at my office or your place of business/home and are generally 50 minutes to one hour long.

Telephone coaching/SKYPE coaching
Personal and time-efficient, telephone session generally last between 45 to 60 minutes if weekly.

Intensive coaching
Intensive coaching is ideal for those that seek to make fast progress with a particular goal/issue and can take the form of 3-6 hours of intensive coaching a day. Followed by two hours telephone and unlimited email support for 1 month thereafter.

While the methods of delivery may vary, all will have in common an initial consultation, after which the client is sent information and preparatory material to work through. This will

1. start the coaching process prior to the first session and
2. optimize the one-on-one coaching time together.

A wide range of Coaching/NLP methodologies/tools are available and drawn upon as applicable to ensure the best fit to the client and their specific situation. The coaching process itself is client-led with the Coach providing a structured framework that enables new insight, as well as ensuring that the client is accountable to any actions agreed.

How to make the most of coaching?

Coaching time is limited and not cheap. In order to make the most of your one-to-one time with a coach.

1. General aspects:

a) Complete the Intake Form your Coach will have sent you BEFORE your first session. This

• means that you will have started the coaching process already, e.g. you will gain some insights as to where you are at present and which areas/issues you want to work on.
• provides your Coach with some background information and avoids you both losing unnecessary time during the actual call gathering these details.
  

b) Coaching time is limited and not cheap. To make the most of the one-to-one coaching exchange:

• be as frank, honest and straight to the point with your Coach as possible. This also entails, telling him/her - respectfully - what you feel works/does not work for you. How can your Coach manage you most effectively? What tips would you give him/her?
• likewise, given your permission, expect your Coach to challenge your thinking/perceptions and, if deemed constructive, to even interrupt you in order to get back on track.

c) How can YOU best serve this coaching relationship?

• Commit time and energy to the process of change and self-development.
• Take responsibility for your progress/the working relationship with your Coach.
• Practice what you learn! Did you walk perfectly the first time? Rehearse new attitudes, perspectives, thought processes, etc. as often as possible.
• What else can you do?

2. During or immediately after the coaching session:

Take a few minutes to write down key points: goals, actions, insights, breakthroughs, etc., as this will allow you to concentrate on supporting activities as well as track your progress over time.

a) What did you get out of the session?
b) What actions did you agree upon? When will you have done them by?
c) What other actions might you want to undertake before the next coaching session?
d) What issues do you want to raise in the next session?

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