What happens during coaching? What do we do exactly?

I'll walk you through how I recommend you approach the possibility of working with me, specifically, and a general overview of what you can expect from me at various points should you decide to work with me. Here's a 6 min overview for you which is followed by a step-by-step outline of what you can do next to investigate whether coaching is right for you.

To help you decide if working with me is right for you, I recommend you surf around this website and make sure you visit the FAQs at the bottom of the home page and do the self-assessment on your coaching readiness. I also recommend writing down your thoughts on the criteria you would like to use in deciding to work with me or any other coach. Many people tell me they will "just know" when we talk if it is right. I'm all for going with the gut, but when it comes to writing a check, will your head want a say in the matter?

Second, if you want to get a better sense of me, my philosophy, my style, sense of humor, intelligence and so forth, my blog will give you a very good view on all this. I am very much a "what you see is what you get" type of person so if you like what you read you will probably find it very easy to transition to talking to me on the phone. Don't be intimidated by the whole dragon slaying vibe, I'll be gentle if you are nervous about tackling your own beasties.

Third, if you have green lights after the first two points, e-mail me or call 630-562-1877 to set up a complimentary hour-long phone session. I have coaching hours from 9 am to 8 pm CST (Chicago time), M-W.  Once we confirm a time, I will send you some prep work so you can give me any background you would like to share in advance to help us get the most out of our time together.  The pre-questions are quite meaty and many individuals report they begin to feel energized, focused and "coached" even before we speak, once they fill them out.

During the introductory call, my goal is to get a clear overview of your life, the issues that you would like to bring to coaching and any factors that might have an impact on your ability to make the progress you want toward your goals.  I'll help you determine whether coaching makes sense for you and whether I, specifically, am a good choice for you based on your needs. Expect some coaching right in that first call because I can't stop myself from sharing resources and suggestions when I see opportunities to help.  You'll come away from the call with a clear sense of my style and I'll share with you my understanding of your current situation so you can determine whether I am on the mark or not. You will have the opportunity to ask me questions as well.  Then you can decide right then if you are ready to begin or you can mull it over and digest the conversation before deciding. I'm okay either way.  I will not try to sell you anything and will not place any pressure on you to hire me.

If you do hire me, we will schedule the first month's sessions and I will send you a very comprehensive workbook to help you take stock of your life and set the first level of goals for us to work on.  I'll also give you some additional questions beyond those which you filled out for the introductory session.  Before each session I will have you fill out a prep form which will cue you to look at your progress, your goals, where you are stuck and where you would most like to focus during our calls.  Given that this is a collaborative relationship, I will also have ideas for areas to focus and will help guide you if you feel scattered or overwhelmed at any point.

After the first month, and every month thereafter, we will talk about where you are, where you are headed and whether you and I should continue to work as a team.  You hire me month to month. No long term obligations.  As long as we both agree that my being in your life is getting you further than you would get on your own, we'll keep going.  I'll give you resources as we go, "homework" as needed and will be available for e-mail contact and shorter calls as needed between our formally scheduled sessions. And, of course, my blog is a huge repository of resources inspired by the needs of my clients over many years so you can dive in there to your hearts content whenever you feel the need for a little stoking or want to find additional resources for yourself.

Any other questions? Jot them down for your intro call or e-mail me to discuss.

relationships *  life purpose  *  personal development *  stress management * motivation * focus * wellness * communication * integrity * midlife transitions * career satisfaction * happiness