Why does coaching work?

There are many reasons why the coaching works: 

It helps people find personal meaning in their various behaviors and interactions with them self and others.

In the process of finding meaning one begins to shift and change behaviors and thoughts. This, in of itself, creates new opportunities and attracts new possibilities.

Coaching provides the opportunity to develop unique self-oriented goals that are reflective of one’s own essence and purpose.

This style of relationship allows for time and space for active personal participation and accountability.

Coaching creates a unique bond and relationship where trust and confidence are accelerated, resulting in higher levels of self-esteem, and mental, emotional and spiritual wellness.

What are some of the top requirements to achieve success in a coaching relationship?

There are no absolute specific requirements to create a successful coaching relationship. Every partnership is unique on to itself. What I have found in my experience is instead there a multitude of considerations each party needs to be aware when forming a partnership.

Because coaching is derived from the premise that the relationship is a partnership, each individual in the partnership takes full responsibility for their interaction and actions. Therefore, a trusting flow of communication between each parties is key. 

The partnership must be a good match. There must be creative chemistry between the partners. When each partner is receiving joy and fulfillment the enthusiasm level rises and each partner grows. If there is no joy there is no life and each party is wasting their time.

The coachee may want to consider these questions:

 
• Are you willing and receptive to self-discovery? 
• Are you ready to learn and make changes in the "outer world" that will support the insights and shifts that occur in the "inner world"? 
• Are you willing to learn how to embrace your gifts and live a life of authenticity? 
• Are you willing to look at the impact the relationship may have on your life, both positive and challenging?
• Are you willing to grow and stretch and become someone you have always wanted to be?

Do your research. Check out their web sites and get a ‘feel’ for who they are.

Talk to a few coaches and ask a lot of questions about their practice and style of coaching (see list below).

Listen to your body when you are speaking with the coach. Do you feel energized, enthusiastic, contemplative, clearer, connected, heard, motivated, inspired or supported, pushed, challenged, appreciated or acknowledged? Figure out what you most want to "feel" in a coaching relationship and find the coach that we have the feeling with. What do you feel like when you hang up?

Have an idea what you want to work on. Check with the coach, are skilled in that area? For example: Life balance, going through a transition, building a business, having better relationships, higher level of self care, attracting a loving mate, increase of salary, communication skills at work, starting a company, understanding ADD, increased awareness of spirituality etc.

If you do not have a specific area you want to be coached on, consider what it is you would like to experience from being coached. What is the essence of what you are seeking?

What questions should I ask a coach when I interview them?

 
• What kind of people do you most often coach?
• What is the average time your clients stay with you?
• What do you believe the benefits of coaching are?
• Who coaches you?
• Where did you receive training as a coach? What was the taught philosophy?
• What is your style of coaching?
• How long have you been coaching?
• Where do you see your coaching business going in the future?
• Tell me more about your personal background?
• What else do you bring to your coaching?
• What are your fees and format structures?
• What are your professional affiliations?
• Have you ever fires a client? If so why?
• What has been the best coaching experience you have had?
• Why do most people hire you?
• Do you have testimonials?
• What are your expectations of your coaching clients?

Most of my coaching sessions take place over the phone. I find this format to be extremely powerful. During the process each person is fully focus on the conversation, instead of external activites or a different environments. During my coaching sessions I also help clients to tap into and use the knowledge of the body wisdom. Because of the privacy of coaching over the phone, verses face to face, I find that may people open up to themselves easily. They achieve great levels of clairity about who they are and how they show up, quickly and powerfully. 

How do I end the relationship?

Sometimes ending a relationship can be a challenge for people. The thing to remember is that the coach wants what is best for you, unconditionally. At some point the relationship ends. Articulating your desire to move on or to let go of the relationship is a part of the process. Coaches call it graduation. I am excited when clients are ready to graduate. It means they have achieved what they wanted to achieve and are living ‘entheos’.