Frequently Asked Questions
Concerned about the cost of Leadership Coaching?
As a business owner and leader I know that the cost of doing business can add up. If you’re like me you weigh every expense decision carefully. That’s just good business. Here are a three things to consider to help you feel confident about investing in yourself with leadership coaching:
- Consider the cost:value ratio of having tailored support and accountability as you establish your business and personal growth goals.
- Consider how much it will cost you to remain on your current personal and business path.
- You will get out what you put in. Depending on your goals, a coaching investment should pay off on many levels:
Increased income
Personal growth
Less stress
More freedom
The value of a coach is not their time but rather their knowledge, wisdom, experience, and track record. I haven’t had a single client disappointed in their coaching investment.
However, if it puts you at ease, it’s my policy to give a full refund after your first session if you are not satisfied or haven’t gained great value from it.
How is coaching different from counseling?
Counselors and mental health therapists focus on a person’s specific emotional or relational problems. They look into past problems to move you to the present, while making ‘restoration’ one of the main outcomes. Their objective is to help you focus on your deepest of feelings and identify the root cause of the emotional struggle.
Coaches focus on helping people achieve specific identified goals to create a new life or business/career path. Coaches are trained to assist people in thinking and acting more resourcefully that leads to personal growth and achievement. Through their trained style of questioning, coaches focus on helping people move from their present reality to their desired future.
When is the right time to retain a leadership coach?
The best time for leaders to hire a business coach is when they feel stuck. Coaches help people get past the wall of change resistance. They offer insight and instill confidence for people to be bold in industry and life.
Many leaders are ready for coaching when they are:
- Starting a business, excited about their vision but find themselves unfamiliar with the challenges that come with building a company
- Struggling with next steps for personal growth and development, knowing they are meant to do more at work and in life
A good coach can help leaders navigate unfamiliar territory and avoid pitfalls. They help people become aware of when increased personnel are needed, or encourage leaders to develop positive mindsets, behaviors, or policies.
Typically coaches don’t provide answers. Through skilled questioning, a coach helps people discover why a particular issue is challenging, and redirects their thinking and action toward a more successful response to the challenge.
What’s the best way to select a leadership coach?
Here are a few points to consider when interviewing a potential leadership coach:
1. Ask if they currently work with a coach of their own. A good leadership coach should also be focused on their own personal and professional development.
2. Be sure the coach offers at least a 30 min complimentary consultation so you can get to know them. Consider how comfortable you feel engaging with them. A great coach-client relationship is built upon trust.
A good coach will encourage you and push you out of your comfort zone. They are pros at recognizing and naming your excuses--even if you are unaware you’re making them. It is important that you feel comfortable so you won’t resist the vulnerability necessary for growth. Make sure their approach and style are a good match to yours.
If you are still uncertain about the coach you are considering, ask to purchase a single session before making a long-term commitment.
3. Consider a coach’s ability to listen. Good coaches ask leading questions and make an effort to get to know you. They should also discuss their coaching tools, style, and describe their ideal client to you.
4. Change doesn’t happen overnight. Plan on at least a year-long relationship with your coach. The benefits of coaching don't diminish over time, but they can take time to develop.
5. There are no guarantees. Even the most talented coach cannot be responsible for your success. Be willing to put in the hard work that successful change requires. Before making a coaching commitment, ask yourself if you are ready to change. The process may include some blows to your ego, giving up some control, and learning to see yourself and your circumstances in an entirely new light.
