The International Coach Federation (ICF) defines coaching as “…a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them [clients] to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
The coaching conversation directs the client’s choices, communication, and action towards their goals and desired outcomes, in alignment with their values, vision, and purpose. This results in increased motivation to make the changes that increase learning, performance, and fulfillment—both personally and professionally. Increased leadership competency is a natural outcome.
Coaching is not advice giving, counseling, or therapy.
- Enrichment of what it means to lead a fulfilled life and career for the client
- Support for the process of identifying values and strengths, vision and mission statements, achievements, and goal attainment
- Achievement of a more balanced life
- Improvement of communication skills and inter-personal effectiveness
- Identification of ‘blind spots’ to bring awareness towards how and where the client may be putting themselves at risk
- Valuable feedback with only the client’s objectives in mind and at heart
A coaching program typically consists of a minimum of 10 hours over a four to six month period. This time-frame can be altered and customized to specific situations and requests.
Each session is typically one hour in length, beginning with one to two in-person meetings to construct a framework and identify goals of the coaching sessions. Some preparation work is required to identify goals and strengths and bring clarity to the goal-setting process.
Following the in-person meetings, typically 10 sessions (in-person or by phone) will take place.
At the conclusion of the coaching agreement, there is an opportunity to evaluate results, and discuss next steps to ensure the client stays on the path of continuous growth and learning, which may include additional follow-up coaching, if necessary.
