Below are the answers to some of the frequently asked questions about executive coaching and coaching in general. Please click here for more information on business coaching services. Alternatively please feel free to contact us to discuss how business coaching can improve your organisation.
What is the difference between counselling, training, mentoring and coaching?
These approaches vary in terms of style, content and results. Below are some of the differentiating points:
- Counselling typically aims to solve problems by understanding what happened in the past. Coaching is almost exclusively future-focused. Some types of counselling, e.g. solution-based counselling works in a similar way to coaching.
- Training tells or guides a person what to do in certain circumstances – it is directive. In a similar vein, to counsel means to give advice. Coaches do not give advice – instead they use various techniques to facilitate the process of an individual finding the best path for themselves.
- Mentoring can often have some elements of coaching but it differs in that the mentor also offers guidance based on their experience.
If short, if you get told what to do or how to solve a problem then it is not coaching.
Is coaching appropriate for me?
If you want a change of some sort – whether it is changing or creating a habit or behaviour, improving your work-life balance, changing your career, being more creative at work etc – AND you are ready to take steps to achieve it, then you will benefit from having a coach.
If you are looking for somewhere to vent about your past or your circumstances then you will likely waste your money on a coach.
How do I select an executive coach?
The following are some points to bear in mind when selecting an executive coach:
1) An executive coach need not be an expert in a particular field. For example, if you’re a lawyer, it is not necessary to find a coach that is also an expert lawyer. However, coaches with strong, well-rounded commercial experience especially at a senior level tend to find it both easier to build rapport and to maintain credibility as a coach.
2) Speak informally with your prospective coach first and gauge if you feel comfortable with them. For coaching to be effective it is important to feel that your coach is capable of completely listening to you, without judgment.
3) Try out one or two coaches before you decide who you’d enjoy working with. Coaching is about helping you achieve your potential and exploring what works best for you is part of that process.
4) If you don’t know where to start looking, ICF (the International Coach Federation) is a global body that offers accreditation based on a combination of training and practical coaching experience.
How long will I need to work with an executive coach?
This depends on where you are currently, where you want to go, and how quickly you intend to get there. Some executive clients are able to achieve goals in as little as one to three months. Most often, clients stay with a coach anywhere from six to eighteen months. In short, the coaching relationship continues as long as there is benefit to the client.
Many coaching techniques and processes can be learnt and practiced on your own. As counter-intuitive as it may sound, a good executive coach’s goal should be to reduce your dependency on them as soon as possible – that shows you’re becoming more resourceful and that you’re learning to more effectively deal with situations as they arise.
How does coaching work?
Please check out the following pages depending on your focus:
How Executive Coaching works | How Business Coaching works.
How much does executive coaching cost and how can I pay?
Professionally trained, certified coaches charge fees in line with other highly trained professionals. Fees vary from coach to coach, and are based on a variety of factors including whether sessions are in-person or over the telephone. I charge on a package basis and our fee arrangement is discussed after we’ve had a discounted preliminary strategy session. Please click here for details on initial session fee and other executive coaching packages.
Payment can be made by either wire transfer, paypal or credit card.
Where are your clients based?
I currently have executive clients in South Africa, Trinidad, Europe and Australia. Most remote sessions are conducted over skype, the telephone or via email. If there is a special need, I am also able to travel worldwide for coaching projects.
Please note that due to the nature of business coaching and certain leadership training packages, these are only conducted in person.
I’m interested or need more information – how do I get in touch?
You can reach us through our contact coach page.
Please include your contact details and a good time to reach you.