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What is coaching?
There are many complex factors associated with coaching and ask anyone who uses the term and you will get a different definition; but for me, the most straightforward explanation is that it describes;
a relationship that focusses on the facilitation of learning for individuals and teams at a cognitive and behavioural level.
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Why should I work with an external coach?
There are many situations where an internal coach would be appropriate, however an external coach;
- offers a different perspective and experience base from which to coach and facilitate.
- offers more privacy.
- is not affected by office politics or company culture, often enabling more candour.
- has no job specific positional authority, in this regard the coach is neutral.
- is entirely focussed on the coaching process and is not distracted or affected by internal issues.
What benefits am I likely to gain compared to not working with a coach?
There are many, every individual and team has a unique range of benefits however the two most quoted benefits of working with a coach are speed and confidence. Speed because the coaching process cuts through prevarication, anxiety, self doubt and error. Confidence because having rationalised and enriched the analysis and planning phases the client can commit to action with more clarity and certainty.
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How do I choose a good coach?
A good coach will challenge and support as necessary. Will stay with a topic or move on as they deem appropriate in support of your progress and goals. Both the client and the coach need to build an effective relationship in order to achieve this. To identify all this I believe that it is important to meet or at least speak with the coach. Most coaches offer free initial contact so it is a great opportunity to set up several phone calls with different coaches. Remember it is not about them it is about you, you must be comfortable. Also, don’t forget to take all the normal contact precautions when arranging to meet your coach.
A word also about testimonials, many of the bodies associated with coaching offer aspiring coaches the chance to coach each other.
How long do I need to work with a coach for?
There is no set time for this, it is dependent on how much you as the client are gaining from the sessions with your coach. As a guide, most of our coaching interventions last for between 2-3 hours over 10-12 weeks. Although we have a number of clients who regularly contact us and others whom we have coached for just a couple of hours to get them through a specific event (usually a talk, presentation or negotiation). Several clients also contact us regularly to talk through a situation that is important to them.
We prefer face to face meetings where possible;
alternatives available are; telephone, instant message, e-mail and the web.
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Can anyone coach?
The simple answer is yes, and many people do coach others both formally and informally. We believe that effective business coaching utilises a broad understanding of learning methodologies, team, group, system, sub-system and individual behaviour; along with enhanced communication, business tools and methodologies. A good coach will effortlessly provide the support needed.
Not everyone that uses the term coach to describe themselves is coaching. Read the articles I link to above. I agree with much of the CIPD one but not all; Ed Batista’s article describes one form of coaching, Gestalt; there are many other forms that coaching takes.
Why are there so many different types of coach?
My personal view is that some terms are simply used descriptively e.g. sports coach or business coach. Whilst others are marketing strategies e.g. life-coach. In my view a coach is a coach, a good coach will add value regardless of the environment or role in which they find themselves. Having said that a coach with direct experience of your area will be able to switch between the three roles of coach, trainer and even mentor.
With so many people adding the title coach it will only get more confusing so remember to ask yourself the question. Can this person facilitate my learning whilst respecting who I am, without imposing their views and beliefs over mine (projection)? If the answer is yes, it does not matter how the coach refers to them self.
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