Coaching is a supportive relationship for the purpose of assisting a client in defining purpose, refining goals, and realizing true success. That is, coaching is focused on creating results. Applying assessments, tools and various exploratory methods, the coach assists the client in clearly defining their purpose and goals, developing new perspectives, revealing barriers, and identifying or organizing specific steps toward achieving their objectives.  The coach is often a catalyst for action and a standard bearer for accountability. The coach is never the decision maker but helps the client in reaching decisions and taking action consistent with their stated goals.

Coaching is NOT counseling! While coaching and counseling are related, they are distinctly different in terms of their focus and objectives. Counseling is appropriate for dealing with major issues that are creating difficulties in a client’s life. Counseling is the tool of choice for healing and resolution of problems, especially those rooted in past events or experiences. Coaching is more primarily focused on growth and reaching future goals, seeking forward-looking solutions, and creating new results.

Coaching is hope focused, action driven and result oriented. A coach comes along side the client to offer support, feedback, perspective and accountability. Imagine your coach as a professional tennis coach combined with a trusted advisor. A typical coaching track progresses through a number of phases such as:

• Introductory where the coach and client learn about each other, their background, style, working methods and the coaching process.
• Ground Work where the foundation for success is established. This phase involves assessments, self-awareness development and vision and goals definitions.
• Working It is the meat of coaching where short term goals, tools, accountability, encouragement, homework and exercises combine to accelerate change, to create action and results.
• Redirection is a natural step as objectives and goals are accomplished (or neared). At this stage, purpose, goals, and vision are revisited and either new goals established or the active coaching engagement is discontinued.
• Follow-up is typically conducted at predetermined intervals after the active coaching ceases to cement the change, review progress, provide support or restart coaching if desired.

The specific length, steps, exercises, assessments, phases and methods for any engagement will depend on the client, goals, and a number of other factors. That is, coaching is significantly customized for each client to provide them with the maximum opportunity for results.

Please email any specific questions on the coaching process or to arrange for an Exploratory session.