German
The Coaching Process
So how does the coaching work in practise?1. First we’ll meet and talk about your reasons you have for coaching and what you would like to change/improve. We’ll decide if we are a good match and if we would enjoy working together, and, if Coaching will help you with the challenge you are encountering.
If we both want to progress then we’ll schedule meetings on a regular basis, initially to establish your goals and action plans and then to design strategies that ensure you deliver them!
At every meeting we will review the progress that has been made (an important step in understanding your improvement, growth and development) and set some actions that will help you in achieving your goal. I will hold you accountable to completing them!
2. Will I tell you what to do, offer advice and guidance? Not quite. Through specific question techniques and using a repertoire of coaching tools and techniques, I will support you in finding solutions and generate ideas that best suit your situation. Using your strengths and resources we will work out a set of actions that you are able to implement.
Coaching is a learning process and most likely adjustments need to be made as you progress through your change process. I will of course share specific insights and personal experiences that might help you (or speed up the process). Ultimately, you are responsible for your own change process – sometimes all that it needs is a ‘change in focus’!
3. How long would we work together?
My aim is to work towards outcome that are effective and changes that are sustainable. Coaching is not a “quick fix” solution and requires hard work on both sides (change and success doesn’t happen by chance!). Some of my clients meet their goals within 6-8 coaching sessions, while others require more time.
Coaching is a process that will help you overcome challenges and become more successful. At the end of the day, only you can do what it takes to make change happen. Imagine, if you were working with the best sports coach in the world but you never practised between your coaching sessions, you’d be unlikely to become a world-class sports person.
It is the same with Coaching… if you don’t complete the actions you commit to take, you won’t see the same levels of success.
Choosing your coach:
Working with an experienced and qualified coach is an important aspect to consider. Here a few points to help you choose a coach:
- Ensure that your coach has had solid training and is certified by and a member of a reputable coaching and training institute.
- Ensure that your coach has sufficient work and life experiences to support you in your learning process.
- Ensure that your coach offers a free (usually ½ hour) conversation to explain their methods and work out whether you are a good match.
- Your coach should be confident in using a range of models, tools and techniques, and be prepared to work alongside other consultants and with a variety of individuals in a wide variety of situations.
- Investigate how the coach keeps up with their training and development to offer you the latest insights and techniques.
How coaching will benefit you?
My clients have reported the following a range of benefits from coaching on a personal and professional level:
- They have had time and space for thinking and reflecting:
Helped them reflect to see the big picture, time for themselves, time to concentrate - They gained awareness and insights, self-analysis, understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, clarity of purpose, clearer goals (professional and personal), provided focus.
- Learnt valuable conflict resolution and problem solving techniques
- They are more confident and believe in themselves, have higher morale and motivation, leading to their personal growth
- Received support, guidance, and encouragement, they felt valued
- Enhanced career, and promotion prospects, helped with their professional future
- Developed new techniques and professional skills
- Improved family and personal lives