Hi Everyone!
I hope that you are all doing well! It has been quite the busy time here in Possibility Land! Among other things, I have just started the Coach Certification Program with The Coaches Training Institute, (CTI). This will earn me my Certified Professional Co-Active Coach, (CPCC), credential. YIPPEE!! I will finally have LETTERS after my name! That'll learn my "Esquire" brother a thing or two! (Just kidding, Tim!)
In this blog post, I am going to give you some information and I am also asking for some information back from you, My Loyal Readers! (Or maybe I should call you My Royal Leaders! I kind of like that!) In case you are not aware, I am in the process of building my own website. Go check it out sometime. You can find it at www.epcoachtom.com And keep checking back, because I have many plans in store for it.
For my website, I want to have an FAQs, (Frequently Asked Questions), page. Below, I have provided a sample of what I will probably use on the page. I would like your feedback on what I have, but I am also curious about what questions you might have about coaching that I could include on my page. Please add any questions that you might have for a coach, (me), in the comments and I will consider adding them to my page. Include your email address and I will respond to your questions personally.
So let's get right into it!
What is a coach?
Here is how the International Coach Federation, (ICF) defines coaching: Professional coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses and organizations.
In more simple terms, a coach is an objective observer and partner who provides honest feedback, (even when it is not easy), and supports the client in taking action and living a more authentic and fulfilling life.
Who needs a coach?
An even better question is who doesn't need a coach? But seriously, everyone needs support. There are literally MILLIONS of people out there who are more than happy to tell you that "you can't". Your coach is there to tell you that you CAN!
In my mind, an ideal coaching client is someone who is open to looking at things in a different way and trying out new possibilities and is willing to experiment. Someone who is not married to the past and committed to the status quo. Someone who realizes that life, people and times all change and they are willing to do the same.
How can coaches be an expert at everything, especially when it comes to peoples' jobs?
This is actually a great question. Coaches don't HAVE to be an expert in everything. For example, in executive coaching, some executives do require that coaches have a familiarity with their industry so that they are all speaking the same language, but many executives PREFER coaches who have NO KNOWLEDGE of their industry at all so they can truly get a unique and unbiased perspective that simply does not exist within the walls of their organization. They have "new eyes". They will ask questions that no one else within the organization would think of.
Some people are really set in their ways and don't like people telling them what to do. How are you going to know what is best for everyone?
Again, another great question. My coaching school, (CTI), holds that the client is naturally creative, resourceful and whole. The client does not "need fixing". In this manner, the client will know what is best for the client. The coaches job is to ask insightful questions and provide honest feedback. The coach facilitates the exploration of ideas and possibilities. The client decides what is right and the coach creates accountability and assists the client in moving into action. The coach champions the client as they move forward.
How can I find a coach?
You can always go to the International Coach Federation, (ICF), website, www.coachfederation.org to find a coach. You can also try internet search engines. I am a member of the Minnesota Coaches Association, (MCA), and you can also visit their website at www.minnesotacoaches.org and there are many fine coaches there.
How do I know when I have found the right coach for me?
How do you know when you have found the right shoe? No one can tell you, but you know because it just feels right. It is a lot like that. Most coaches are more than happy to provide free sample sessions so the client can get a feel for what coaching is all about and see if the coach is right for them. Like I said, when it is a good fit, you will know it!
How much does coaching cost?
Ah, yes, the "million dollar" question! (Pun INTENDED!) Just kidding! Executive coaching within corporations can run anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000 per month, (or more). Individual coaching is much more affordable. Common rates are anywhere from $200 to $500 per month for three 45 minute sessions, (there is no set standard rate). Some coaches adjust their rate based on their training or length of time in coaching. MANY coaches like to give back to the community so for every 2 clients they have paying full price, they have a client who can not afford as much to whom they give a substantial discount. Some coaches are "retired" and just want a little extra cash and some do it on the side, so their rates may be lower, as well. I trained with a coach who has incredible passion and a very unique perspective and he was finding it difficult to accept the idea of charging more than $5 per session. I know that doesn't help much, but hopefully, you will have a better idea of what to expect.
Alright, People, there it is! Let me hear you!!
And Remember, YOUR Possibilities are ENDLESS!
Thanks,
Thomas P. Maher
The Possibilities Coach
www.epcoachtom.com
Thomas P. Maher
The Possibilities Coach
www.epcoachtom.com
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