FAQs
Kathy Judge ©
Q: What is coaching?
- Coaching is a professional relationship built on honesty, integrity and confidentiality.
- It is a process in pursuit of excellence.
- Coaching is “an ongoing relationship between the professional coach and the client, which focuses on the client taking action toward the realization of their vision, goals or desires.” -- ICF
- Coaching is “ … a powerful alliance designed to forward and enhance the lifelong process of human learning, effectiveness, and fulfillment.”—Whitworth,Kimsey-House and Sandahl(1998), Co-Active Coaching.
Q: What it isn’t.
- Psychotherapy
- Cheerleading
- A paid friend
- Advice
- Commiseration
Q: How do I find a coach?
- Word of mouth
- Referral from a person who has used a coach successfully
- Referral from professional Coaching organizations/training programs (e.g. International Coach Federation, College of Executive Coaching, Institute for Life Coach Training, Hudson School, etc.)
Q: How do I begin?
Depending on geography, time, and circumstance a face-to-face meeting in either your professional space, or my office, is a good way to start. However, I’ve coached clients I’ve never met face–to-face due to the fact that we live on opposite sides of the Mississippi and the coaching is done via phone and internet. The Coaching process and the working relationship has thrived and been successful.
Q: How long does it last?
Professional Life, Small Business and Executive Coaching is a process. It is designed by the coach and the client to be congruent with your most important values at this point in your life. We focus on clarifying your purpose, developing your vision and creating a viable plan of action to achieve that.
I recommend a six (6) month commitment which consists of three (3) phone calls a month, emails and additional calls as need, a series of assessments and evaluations, as well as clarification of values and principles upon which your work and life are based.
Q: Will I only discuss my business life?
For many of us, our business and personal lives are intertwined. Success in one’s personal life is very important. Coaching can include pursuit of success in personal endeavors.
Q: What will it cost?
Coaching clients pay a monthly fee for an agreed upon amount of access to my time and expertise. Contact may be face-to-face, via telephone, and/or by electronic means. Provisions can be made for temporarily increased contact in particular circumstances which warrant same (e.g. complex negotiations, very stressful work/life /business transitions, etc.)
Q: How will I know if it’s working?
We will set goals that will be evaluated on a regular basis to determine success.
The ICF Philosophy of Coaching
The International Coach Federation adheres to a form of coaching that honors the client as the expert in his/her life and work, believes that every client is creative, resourceful, and whole. Standing on this foundation, the coach’s responsibility is to:
- Discover, clarify, and align with what the client wants to achieve
- Encourage client self-discovery
- Hold the client responsible and accountable
The ICF Definition of Coaching
“Professional Coaching is an ongoing professional relationship that helps people produce extraordinary results in their lives, careers, businesses or organizations. Through the process of coaching, clients deepen their learning, improve their performance, and enhance their quality of life. In each meeting, the client chooses the focus of conversation, while the coach listens and contributes observations and questions. This interaction creates clarity and moves the client into action. Coaching accelerates the client’s progress by providing greater focus and awareness of choice. Coaching concentrates on where clients are now and what they are willing to do to get where they want to be in the future. ICF member coaches recognize that results are a matter of the client’s intentions, choices, and actions, supported by the coach’s efforts and application of the coaching process.”
(From: The International Coach Federation Website, 2004)
Click here to go to the About Kathy page for more information about me or click here to go the the Testimonial page to see how I’ve helped others on their journey. I’d love to help you on your journey!
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