Coaching – Frequently Asked Questions

What is it?

Coaching is a program of one-on-one sessions between you and a professional Coach aimed at helping you maximise your personal and professional potential.

Typically, a coaching program consists of 3 and 6 monthly sessions, normally lasting 60 minutes per session.

Isn’t it only for Executives or Leaders?

No, anyone at any level can benefit from coaching. It is more geared towards the challenges and opportunities you face in a professional environment. It can also benefit anyone looking to improve soft skills or overcome certain problems they’re facing.

Do I get to pick the coach?

We do have a community of coaches and often make a recommendation based on a needs analysis; however, we do offer a ‘no commitment, free of charge’ initial consultation with any of the Coaches to make sure the right fit is there. If not, we will connect you to an alternative coach.

Do I need to do it in person?

In person or via video – coaching works effectively on any medium.

Who pays?

In most cases, your employer covers this investment – however individuals can also purchase coaching sessions and programs directly. Nearly all companies have a budget for professional learning & development, and this can often be used on coaching.

I want coaching – how do I raise this with my manager?

Most managers and employers will see your request as a positive thing – it shows that you are interested in getting better at your job; and it shows you have a commitment to the company and the role you hold.

Speak with your manager or the HR groiup, and often the best times to discuss are in one-to-one’s or career reviews. If you feel uncomfortable discussing certain aspects of the program, then we can support you by discussing some of the specifics on your behalf.

When is the best time to do coaching?

Any time is a good time, but we see most benefit when you are:

• Faced with a new challenge
• Have set yourself some New Year’s resolutions or targets
• Are encountering issues at work you don’t know how to handle
• Have recently changed jobs
• Have recently been promoted
• Have missed out on jobs or promotions recently
• Have outside stresses interfering with your work life

I’m busy and don’t have time for it right now

This is something we hear a lot. The coaching sessions normally last 60 minutes of your time each month.  In addition, one of the most common topics that people seek support on is better time management and task prioritisation. The tools given to you in the sessions are practical tools you can use in your daily life. That said, there is always optional additional reading.

Investing in your own personal and professional development is often the best investment we can make in life.

What do I get from it?

• A professional confidante with whom you can talk through issues & use as a confidential sounding board
• Your own support network
• Someone to challenge you and help you operate near or outside your comfort zone
• Tools to support your learning and development journey and equip you through professional (and sometimes personal) challenges
• A chance for self-reflection
• A means to create (more) value more quickly
• A way to unpack any professional frustrations you may have
• A chance to realign and re-assess your career aspirations
• Increased confidence, emotional intellgience, self-awareness and self-esteem
• A way to minimise negative stress

Can coaching help me through Covid?

Coaching individuals to build personal resilience or coaching leaders to build resilience in their teams is an important exercise. It adds another tool to the kit that assists people to successfully navigate the current challenges we all face.

Will my manager/employer hear what is discussed?

No, the discussions between you and your coach remain confidential. This is an essential part of why coaching works and works well. Coaches are well used to building an environment of trust. This remains the case even if your employer pays tfor the program.

What return does my employer get?

Generally speaking, your employer will benefit from a more empowered, skilled, confident and balanced employee. Statistically, employers report that people that get coaching are more likely to stay in their role and more likely to get promoted.

How do I buy some coaching?

We can send you more information on our program and costs for you to discuss with your manager/employer. We are also able to deal directly with your manager/employer if you would prefer; however we do encourage you to raise the subject up with your manager before we get in touch.