How we work
The Coaching Relationship
Coaching is based on a unique, confidential relationship that creates a foundation of support and a context of exploration and understanding. This can catalyse profound shifts of perspective and pave the way to lasting personal transformation.
Your coach becomes an ally who helps you discover your own direction and holds you true to your unique personal values so that you can move forward with balance, strength and integrity. During coaching we will regularly be reviewing our work together and will seek your feedback so we maintain a highly effective partnership.
The Coaching Process
Before we begin working together you will receive a portfolio to complete. This helps to identify important resources and personal values as well as your current challenges and opportunities. Frequency and structure of contact are established in an initial coaching agreement which can later be adapted as you develop your goals and fine tune your strategies.
The foundation session
This longer, initial coaching session is where we start to examine the themes and connections that emerge from your portfolio. You'll identify particular areas where our coaching will concentrate and decide how you will measure your progress. We also consider the overall balance of your life and how this can be maintained or enhanced as you move toward your primary goals.
A coaching session
Most coaching sessions start by reviewing your progress and establishing what to focus on that day. We'll look at any problems or challenges you've been facing and explore opportunities available to you. This is a chance to learn from mistakes, refine your goals and update plans and strategies.
We will ask you powerful and sometimes challenging questions designed to take your mind in new directions, so you can gain insight into your situation and recognise untapped potential. We determine how best you can apply what you are learning between coaching sessions and highlight what will inspire you to stay focused and on track.
Moving on
A programme of coaching will usually conclude with a final session that aims to consolidate your achievements and link them with future opportunities. This ensures your new skills and insights continue to be used so that progress is sustained beyond this period of coaching. Naturally, clients are always welcome to return to coaching with new goals and challenges at a later date.
Coaching Structures
Coaching by telephone
Telephone coaching is a highly effective approach which many clients prefer. It allows you to focus purely on the process of coaching and for some, offers a greater sense of privacy. Wherever you're located telephone coaching is convenient and extremely efficient, incurring no additional travel time or expense. You have access to high quality coaching from home or office at a time that suits you.
If you are uncertain whether telephone coaching is for you or would prefer to work face to face please contact us to discuss your particular circumstances. We can answer any questions you have and help you decide which coaching approach is right for you.
Regular Monthly Coaching
This pattern of coaching is for those who want the discipline and structure of ongoing support, reflection and development. Your coach is a confidential sounding board who challenges you with questions and stimulates you to find new solutions. You engage in a continuous learning process of positive action, feedback and adjustment so you steer, ever more confidently, toward your goals.
Coaching starts with a two-hour overview session and then continues with two to four scheduled sessions every month. New clients begin coaching with a three-month commitment as this has been shown to be an effective length of time for generating clear and lasting progress.
Coaching on demand
Clients who have completed at least three months regular coaching can purchase further blocks of six sessions for use at any time up to one year. This works well for those who want the support of coaching when major work or life choices occur. Sessions can then be scheduled as required, generally within a few days.
Short programmes of coaching
These special programmes are helpful where you have a very short-term objective, an important decision to make or you want to initially explore whether larger goals are achievable. If these are your needs please contact us and we can discuss whether a few intensive 'Decision-buster', 'Brain-storm' or 'Life-review' sessions could get you on your way.