An individual or team might choose to work with a coach for many reasons, including but not limited to the following:  Something urgent, compelling or exciting is at stake (a challenge, stretch goal or opportunity)  A gap exists in knowledge, skills, confidence or resources  A desire to accelerate results  A lack of clarity with choices …read more.

Coaching typically begins with a personal interview (either face-to-face or by teleconference call) to assess the individual’s or business’ current opportunities and challenges, define the scope of the relationship, identify priorities for action and establish specific desired outcomes. Subsequent coaching sessions may be conducted in person or over the telephone, with each session lasting a …read more.

Overall, be prepared to design the coaching partnership with the coach. For example, think of a strong partnership that you currently have in your work or life. Look at how you built that relationship and what is important to you about partnership. You will want to build those same things into a coaching relationship.   …read more.

The coach:  Provides objective assessment and observations that foster the individual’s or team’s self-awareness and awareness of others  Listens closely to fully understand the individual’s or team’s circumstances  Acts as a sounding board in exploring possibilities and implementing thoughtful planning and decision making  Champions opportunities and potential, encouraging stretch and challenge commensurate with personal strengths …read more.

To be successful, coaching asks certain things, all of which begin with intention. Additionally, clients should:  Focus on one’s self, the tough questions, the hard truths and one’s success.  Observe the behaviors and communications of others.  Listen to one’s intuition, assumptions, judgments, and to the way one sounds when one speaks.  Challenge existing attitudes, beliefs …read more.

Measurement may be thought of in two distinct ways: external indicators of performance and internal indicators of success. Ideally, both are incorporated.  Examples of external measures include achievement of coaching goals established at the outset of the coaching relationship, increased income/revenue, obtaining a promotion, performance feedback that is obtained from a sample of the individual’s …read more.

Working with a coach requires both a personal commitment of time and energy as well as a financial commitment. Fees charged vary by specialty and by the level of experience of the coach. Individuals should consider both the desired benefits as well as the anticipated length of time to be spent in coaching. Since the …read more.

The length of a coaching partnership varies depending on the individual’s or team’s needs and preferences. For certain types of focused coaching, three to six months of working may work. For other types of coaching, people may find it beneficial to work with a coach for a longer period. Factors that may impact the length …read more.

A coach who holds an ICF Credential has completed a rigorous credentialing process to develop and refine their coaching skills. Anyone can call themselves a coach, but ICF-credentialed coaches have demonstrated a thorough understanding of the coaching competencies that set the standard in the profession. Additionally, ICF-credentialed coaches adhere to strict ethical guidelines as part …read more.