FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

FAQ: FAQ

WHAT IS COACHING?

Coaching is a process whereby a skilled person helps you better access your internal resources to achieve your potential in a particular area. Whatever area you are working on with a coach, this principle underlies it all. If a coach tells you they have all the answers be wary - coaching is about your resourcefulness, your goals, and your actions - a skilled coach is only ever an excellent guide!

Coaching can be seen as "just talking" but it should be very targeted talking that helps you clarify your goals, explore your options, supports you in taking action and holds you accountable. A good coach will also try to mix other techniques in with the talking, to keep the variety high. These may include role plays, feedback sessions, visualisation exercises, brainstorms, or even just continuing the coaching conversation on a country walk!

CAN I BOOK A "CHEMISTRY" SESSION?

Most people who are interested in a full programme of coaching sessions will want to speak to me, either on the phone, or where possible, in person, in order to assure themselves that they feel comfortable working with me, or that there is professional "chemistry". This is very much normal practice in coaching, and makes a lot of sense, as the coaching relationship only works well is both parties feel comfortable with each other, and us something I will of course try to facilitate wherever possible.

WHAT ARE YOUR FEES?

Generally my fees are based on an hourly rate, with some discount given for committing to a programme of several sessions. For some related services such as conducting 360 feedback exercises or reviewing a CV, a set fee is offered however. Individual essions generally run for 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on the client and the topic, and programmes can typically run for anything between 1 and 8 sessions (this is agreed with the client once initial goals have been agreed.

My fee scale takes into account whether clients are self-funding, their industry sector, and the stage of their career journey they are at. For example for school leavers a significantly discounted rate for CV and interview preparation and career coaching is available. I am happy to discuss my fees in more detail over email, and am generally able to offer a free, no-obligation "chemistry check" meeting before any coaching programme begins.

CAN I BOOK COACHING ON BEHALF OF SOMEONE IN MY TEAM/FAMILY WHO I THINK NEEDS IT?

I am often approached by people looking for coaching for one or more people in their team at work, or even by those looking for support for a family member (for example an adult son or daughter who needs some career advice and coaching). Both of these scenarios are fine, and please do feel free to get in touch to talk to me about the situation if this applies to you. However, it is important to remember that even with young adults, if we are to go ahead with the coaching, the coachee themselves needs to be willing, and happy to work with me, in order for there to be a good chance of the coaching being successful.

WHERE DOES COACHING TAKE PLACE?

It can be wherever you feel most comfortable. Depending on your location and your circumstances I can either come to your office, or a meeting room on your site, or I am happy to meet you somewhere neutral that is mutually convenient in terms of location. Alternatively sometimes clients choose to have some sessions via telephone or Skype. Some clients like to come to me, and I have a private coaching room available (just north of Northampton and near the M1/M6 junction) if this is most appropriate for you (see picture above). Coaching can even work well while taking a walk in the countryside if that's your thing!