Questions & answers about coaching
- What is coaching?
- How does coaching differ from therapy?
- Can I handle coaching?
- Who works with a coach?
- How do you coach?
- What will my coach do?
- What are your expectations?
- What will you ask of me?
- Do you give advice?
- Are you direct?
- Do you give "homework" assignments?
- What can be discussed with coaches?
- How do I get the most from my coaching experience?
What is coaching?
Coaching is becoming one of the leading tools people use to live extraordinary lives. Through ongoing coaching sessions, you identify what's most important to you and align your thoughts, words, and actions accordingly. Our coaches work with you to identify what you want and support you in achieving a life that reflects your integrity, dreams and values. Having a life you love starts with gaining clarity on your values, making more meaningful choices, and committing to the changes important to you. Coaching will help you stay focused on your goals and keep you accountable, honest and true to yourself.
How is coaching different from therapy?
Therapy goes into depth about issues, usually dealing with the past. Coaching is action-oriented and focuses on the present and future. Your coach enables you to determine your own "answers."
Can I handle coaching?
We know change is a process and that life is a journey. Sometimes it feels great and sometimes it feels hard, even hopeless. All of our coaches have dealt with adversity, failures and self-doubt of their own, and have been specifically hired for their abilities to relate to young people facing these very issues. Devoted, kind and caring, our staff is not judgmental and deeply respects our students' uniqueness and diversity. At some time during your coaching relationships, ask a coach not only about their credentials but about their lives. We think that, after you hear their stories, you'll find the respect will be mutual!
Who works with a coach?
Students, parents, celebrities, writers, musicians, athletes, politicians, entrepreneurs, business owners, and professionals in all fields use coaches to help reach their goals. Regardless of their professional endeavor or place in life, these people are committed to improving their lives and living more fully.
How do you coach?
Our coaches inquire, encourage, advise, challenge, make requests and listen to your truth, so you remain aligned with who you are, your goals, your values and your vision. We focus completely on you and what you want in life. We stand for you first and foremost, not just your goals. The coaching relationship is designed by both you and your coaches and may be refined through ongoing two-way feedback. Even though we're committed to your journey, you are ultimately responsible for the actions you take (or don't take) in your life.
- Encourage you to set goals you truly want to achieve.
- Ask you to do more than you may have done on your own.
- Help you focus in order to produce results more quickly.
- Provide the tools, support, and structure to accomplish more.
What are your expectations?
We should only work together if you're ready to do -- and be -- your best. If you're not doing your best, we'll ask you to do so. If you cannot be your best at the moment, we'll understand and do what we can so that you can be heard, cared for, and guided back onto your path.
What will you ask of me?
From time to time, your coaches may make a direct request, such as, "Will you accomplish X by the end of the month?" You may accept the request, counter-offer (e.g., "I can't do X, but I can do Y") or decline (this is rare). We'll always support you, whichever way you respond.
Do you give advice?
If we're sure of the situation, and you're interested, we may suggest how to handle a problem or when to go for an opportunity. If we're not sure, we'll say so. Regardless, use the best of what we say and your own judgment.
Are you direct?
When we hear a funny tone in your voice or notice something amiss, we'll ask you about it. Often, it's these small moments that offer the chance to resolve something, and we may invite you to take a closer look.
Do you give "homework" assignments?
We typically ask you to determine two or three goals or actions to focus on between meetings. If we're pushing you too much, say so. If you want to be pushed harder, just ask.
What can be discussed with coaches?
We want to hear it all. If you have a personal problem, are upset with something (even with a coach or the College Excel program), are just starting to realize something big, or can't wait to share a breakthrough, we want to know so we can be here for you.
How do I get the most from my coaching experience?
- Make your coaching sessions a priority. Come to every meeting with a specific agenda. Put aside the busy schedule of your day to be fully present and ready to talk.
- Do your own work between sessions. Use what you learn. Complete what you agree to do.
- Be open minded. Be open to trying new approaches. Experiment.
- Tell the truth to yourself and to us.
- Be willing to change your actions and beliefs if they do not serve you anymore.
© Changing Directions, LLC 2006
