Coaching Process

“‘Coaching’ is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
- International Coaching Federation

The key principle of coaching is that the client has the answers, not the coach. The coach is merely a guide for the client, not a guru with all the solutions.

Sometimes clients may need me to jump in and get in the weeds of a question with them. This is called consulting. Also, at times a client may need concrete, specific advice on a topic that I know a lot about – this is mentoring. Both approaches can be used concurrently with coaching.

The coaching approach works by identifying what’s actually stopping you (layers underneath the excuses or external blocks you think are what’s stopping you); addressing it directly through both emotional and rational work; then mapping out a plan and holding you accountable to executing on that plan. It uses the client’s own truths and insights, not platitudes or general, formulaic exercises from self-help books. It’s a bulldozer for obstacles.

Sessions

For each session, the client brings a specific issue they are struggling with. By asking questions, the coach shines a light on different angles to the issue while simultaneously moving the client toward creating their own solution to it.

Sessions typically last 60 minutes. They can be done in person, over video or on the phone. Sessions are typically held 1 to 3 weeks apart, depending on the client.

Classic Issues

Classic issues that coaching can help people break through:

  • Refusing to take action, “just standing around admiring the problem”

  • Underdelivering on their potential because of old habits that no longer serve them

  • Not seeing that these old habits no longer serve them

  • Avoiding a tough or complex decision because they don’t know how to possibly approach it

  • Postponing projects because they don’t know where to start

  • Postponing projects because, even though they know where to start, they lack the spark to dive in

  • Chronically “trying” to do something (trying is not the same as committing to succeed)

  • Using flawed logic to talk themselves out of the hard work of personal growth