What is coaching?
In a nutshell there’s a direct approach where the coach provides direct instruction and advice to improve performance and an indirect approach where a coach facilitates a dialogue that empowers the client to self-inform what they can do to unlock improved performance.
Sports coaching, for example, falls into the direct category. The coach provides direct instruction on technique and tactics.
Indirect coaching occurs where the coach is an expert in facilitating the dialogue and not necessarily the clients’ specific chosen area.
My approach to coaching is largely non-directional. I firmly believe that individuals and organisations already hold the answers they seek. Only you are the expert in your life or your business and so my role as your coach is to help you to release those answers.
Finally, any coaching should NOT to be confused with counselling, psychotherapy, mentoring or teaching. Coaching is always present and future orientated and 100% driven by you as the client.
What can I expect from you as my coach?
I will facilitate the coaching dialogue. This involves me asking you a range of thought provoking questions that empower you to organise your thinking and identify clear goals and actions. I am comfortable with silence and won’t let you off the hook when things get hard. Ideally our conversations will:
- Help you clarify specific goals or targets
- Assist you in working through obstacles
- Be absolutely realistic
- Utilise a range of ‘tools’ and cutting edge techniques to assist the above
All of our conversations will be completely and absolutely confidential.
Where will you coach me?
Typically, I coach personal clients face to face, over the phone or via webcam.
Being an international coach, face to face coaching is often impractical. I visit South East Asia regularly and appointments can be made in advance. If we’re meeting in Hong Kong it’ll cost you a Char Sui Fan. Depending on your location, face to face sessions might attract additional costs to cover my time and travel expenses.
How long does a coaching session last?
This largely depends on you. As a general rule, my coaching fees are based on a 1 hour session. You can earn a healthy discount if you book a series of sessions in advance. I’m always flexible and will work to your needs.
How frequently should I have a coaching session?
This is something we’ll discuss in your free initial consultation, but it really is your call; whatever works for you. I have clients who prefer weekly sessions, others once a month.
Some of my clients have found that weekly sessions do not provide them with enough time to follow up on actions whereas others have found that they lost focus by leaving a month between sessions. If you’re not sure what is right for you, we’ll work it out together – no pressure.
If you purchase a programme of sessions, you will have the added benefit of unlimited email support between each session.
How many coaching sessions will I need?
Again, we’ll agree this in your initial consultation.
Ultimately we’re aiming to get to a stage where you learn to coach yourself. This takes some clients longer than others. You might like to return for ‘refresher’ or ‘energiser’ sessions at some point. Coaching is not generally a permanent relationship and I won’t string you along just to get another session out of you.
What are the benefits of coaching?
This is a question that can be answered best by my former clients. Why not check out my testimonials page? It’ll give you an insight into what some of my previous clients have gained from working with me.
My own experience of being coached has given me self-confidence increased drive, focus and energy and a generally more positive outlook.
How much does coaching cost?
I have a number of options available for personal coaching. Contact me to discuss how personal coaching can work for you.
Of course, if you just want to have a chat before engaging in any actual coaching, all initial coaching consultations are free; without any obligation.
I’m interested in hiring you as my coach; what do I do now?
Fantastic! Contact me for an initial chat or to arrange a mutually convenient time to talk about what you’re looking to get from a coaching relationship.
