What is Executive Coaching, and is it different than Life Coaching?
An executive coach facilitates a cooperative learning process with executives and other professionals to help them grow in areas such as self-management, interpersonal skills, and leadership impact; thus increasing their effectiveness personally and professionally. Like life coaching, executive coaching addresses issues such as handling stress, conflict resolution, life purpose, work/life balance, etc. However, in executive coaching development is focused on increased performance in one’s professional life.
What is the difference between Executive Coaching and Counseling?
Counseling (Therapy) is for individuals in need of treatment for diagnosed psychological issues including PTSD, clinical depression, suicidal thoughts, personality disorders, bi-polar, etc. that may also require medical intervention. Counseling focuses on looking at the past and to facilitate healing from past wounds and trauma. In contrast, coaching focuses primarily on the present and future and helps the client develop insights and habits for professional growth and effectiveness. Consequently, coaching is not a replacement for those in need of psychotherapy and/or medication.
How and where are coaching sessions conducted?
If you reside in Northwest Arkansas (Bentonville/Fayetteville) coaching sessions can be conducted face-to-face (including your work office). However, many clients find meeting virtually via web-conferencing to be equally as effective and much more convenient.
What can a client expect in their first meeting with me?
In our first meeting we will learn a lot about each other. We may discuss family backgrounds, significant experiences, and other events that have shaped you personally and professionally. We will review the pre-coaching survey you will fill out prior to our first meeting that covers many aspects of where you are in your career and relationships.
What types of conversations and/or activities occur in a coaching session?
Coaching activities include: deep listening, attuning to emotions, probing questions, cooperative learning and problem-solving, goal setting and constructive feedback. Although the agenda and issues are driven by the client, coaches will at times challenge the perceptions and behaviors of clients with the goal of moving them past unproductive habits and behaviors that hinder and/or sabotage them professionally. Clients are often given homework assignments with practical exercises to develop new skills and coaching sessions often include role-plays to practice these skills.
Are comments in coaching sessions confidential?
Confidentiality is taken seriously in the coaching process to in order establish an environment of trust, safety, and growth. If a third party (organization) is the sponsor of the coaching arrangement, brief summaries of a general nature may be required to document progress. In such reports, details of comments are kept confidential – just broad themes of issues discussed will be reported (e.g. growing in listening skills, developing competency in conflict-resolution, etc).
How long does a coaching session last and what commitment is needed?
Coaching sessions are typically 50 minutes in length and are based on the needs and goals of clients. Coaching arrangements are normally five sessions in length addressing a single area for development (e.g. stepping stone package). Some coaching relationships last 3-6 months and address several needs. Included in both short and longer term coaching relationships is the development of a growth plan with specific action items for implementation. Still other clients prefer a longer commitment that supports increased performance personally and professionally.
What is the cost of coaching services?
Individual sessions (50 minutes) are offered for $125. Discounts are available for clients who purchase sets of five sessions in advance for $500 ($100 per session)
What are your prices (rates) for consulting services?
Rates for consulting services vary. A written contract details what is included. I discuss with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the consulting relationship (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, inclusion of others if appropriate).
What is the cost of your training workshops?
Rates for training workshops vary. A written contract details what is included. I discuss with the client the guidelines and specific parameters of the training workshop (e.g., logistics, fees, scheduling, materials, and any travel expenses).
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment for coaching services can be made using digital banking services such as PayPal and Venmo. I also receive payment by cash or check. I am currently not able to receive credit cards.