Frequently Asked Questions
What is coaching?
Coaching, at its core, is an opportunity for clients to grow. The way that growth is achieved is through reflective, open, honest, and vulnerable conversation with a professional coach. The coach listens intently to the client and provides thoughtful perspectives and insights on the issues being addressed and helps the client problem solve to achieve success.
Is coaching the same as counseling?
No. This is a common misconception. Counseling often focuses on addressing a client's past and trauma to identify and correct issues in the present. Coaching problem solves in the present to achieve goals for the future.
Is coaching worth the cost?
Only you can decide if coaching is worth your time and investment. Consider this, individuals who engage in coaching gain a return of nearly six times their investment on average. To give a concrete example, one client did not know how to earn a promotion and started getting help. As a result, he was promoted on his first try and today earns over $25k more per year.
Coaching is only for people who are struggling, right?
Coaching can benefit anyone. Whether you are a c-suite executive, an entry level employee, or an individual looking up your game, coaching has the potential to be a powerful force multiplier and push you toward the success you hope for. Nearly 40% of Fortune 500 CEOs consistently engage with a coach, and they're at the top of their game. They sure believe in the value of coaching.
Will a coach just talk down to me and tell me what to do?
Absolutely not. Coaching is about listening to clients and letting them determine their own path. Good coaches only offer suggestions only if a client asks for it. More often than not, clients do enough of the talking to work through the issues on their own with only an occasional question or guide-rail comment from the coach.
Can't I just talk to my friends or family instead of coaching?
Good relationships with friends and family are a great support to have in your life. But, no matter how good that relationship is, they often don't have the level of expertise to guide clients through difficult topics. Additionally, there is always the risk of conflict that could negatively impact that relationship in the future. With a professional coach, there is no motivation other than to help the client be a better version of themselves, and all from a perspective of professional knowledge and experience.