We’re a week into the start of December and what better way to celebrate advent than with 24 of the most frequently asked questions we at Know You More receive on the subject of coaching.
None have a chocolate behind them but they are nevertheless very sweet.
Disclaimer: This post may have broken the world record for most uses of the word ‘coach’.
1. What is virtual coaching?
Virtual coaching is a face-to-face coaching conversation conducted over a video chat service like Zoom, Skype or Facetime.
2. What is the difference between a coach and a mentor?
There is a difference. You can read a previous article on this – here is the link.
3. Do coaches have coaches or do they just coach themselves?
Yes, many coaches have coaches and will also undertake professional development which is known as coaching supervision.
4. What is the biggest benefit of coaching?
For me, it is in the developing of thinking patterns and building your self-knowledge. It helps you see your blind spots, smash through your limiting beliefs and achieve great clarity. That and the space in your life to stop and invest in developing yourself.
5. Is it like sports coaching?
There is a long-standing connection with sports coaching. A great example being Tim Gallwey and his book The Inner Game of Tennis. Sports coaching still tends to be more directive. Professional coaching is probably more akin to sports psychology.
6. Is it like Life Coaching?
The art of coaching is based fundamentally on a conversation. A skilled coach will ask great questions, challenge and provide feedback to help open up a person’s thinking. Life, executive, leadership, career are all the different fields where practitioners apply their trade.
7. What does the ‘professional’ mean in professional coach?
In our eyes, it is a coach that has completed recognised training, achieved a coaching practitioner qualification and coaches to a recognised standard of practice and ethics.
8. Do I need to have a qualification to call myself a professional coach?
No, but much like many vocations, you’re more likely to be employed by those looking for a coach if you have one.
9. How many coaching sessions should I have?
10. What is a coaching contract?
11. What can a coach tell me that I don’t already know?
Coaching is based on the premise that we all know more than we think we know. A coach won’t tell you anything just help you get to your own answer (unless you ask them really nicely).
12. Is it like therapy?
Whilst coaching is not therapy, and should not be viewed as therapy, it can provide an alternative to people who have previously considered counselling to resolve a situation. It is normal for coaching to be less remedial and more future focussed.
13. Do coaches just solve your problems for you?
No. Coaching is based on the principle that we are all responsible for our own lives and the results we are getting. If we acknowledge that we are responsible for something, it follows that we have the power and influence over it.
14. How did you get into coaching?
I was really fortunate to have the opportunity to work with a coach within my organisation. It completely opened up my thinking and I thought ‘I want to do this for other people’.
15. How do I become qualified as a coach?
Ah the hat-trick! Another article for you – here is the link.
16. Will coaching help build my confidence?
Yes. We all have internal stories that we tell ourselves, inner critics and limiting beliefs. In seeing these from different perspectives and the actions we then take, we certainly build self-confidence.
17. Can anyone be coached?
I don’t think so. A coachee has to have the ability to be open, to trust and commit to the process. Not everyone can do that.
18. How much does coaching cost?
There is no ‘one size fits all’ price – it will vary depending on the style of coaching, whether it is private or within an organisation and so many other factors. Within an organisational setting, the price point is in the region of £250 per hour. Privately, around £100 per hour.
19. Which is better face to face or virtual coaching?
Historically, face to face has been perceived as the better coaching experience; however, the line is thinning with people opting more the for convenience and flexibility technology provides.
20. What makes a good coaching relationship?
Much like all good relationships, it is based on building trust and rapport with the other person. It is the cornerstone of a successful coaching relationship.
21. How do I choose a coach?
Research what you would like to achieve. As the majority of coaching relationships are made through referral, it’s good to ask around. Like hiring a tradesman. Meet a few, get some references and go with the one that is the right fit.
22. Do I have to have a goal to begin coaching?
It is of benefit to have something in mind that you want to work on. More importantly is the commitment to the coaching programme. It is normal to start coaching thinking you want to work on one thing and then, through exploring your own thinking, find out your ‘real’ goal was something else.
23. What kind of person works with a coach?
As coaching is just a conversation it can benefit people from all walks of life.
Bill Gates famously opened up his TedTalk with: “Everyone needs a coach”. Whether we are a CEO, leader, teacher, basketball player or bridge player, we all need people who will help us reach our goals and give us feedback.
24. Does Santa have a coach?
0 Comments on "Coaching: Answering the most frequently asked questions."