What is coaching and does it really work? Your questions answered.

David Andrew Coaching

The word Coaching has become synonymous in the business and corporate world, although people are more familiar with that term in the world of sports. Coaching is the second-fastest-growing industry on the planet right now including in developing countries like India, and there's a greater awareness of the great benefits coaching can bring in the personal development of employees, managers and people in leadership positions.

During my research and having conversations with people including over seventy networking events I attended in the last 18 months including the USA, China and India there seems to be the ambiguity about Coaching.

For example, when I get asked, what do you do? I say "I am a coach who helps people those who need my help". And I see the expression of ambiguity on their face, but some decide to press further, by asking "Are you a life, business, executive coach? I respond by saying, "I am a transformational coach" "Hmm! And what is that?" they ask. Of course, this sense of ambiguity doesn't apply to all the people. Some are pretty clued up because either they are coaches or were coached. Some seem to have a superficial understanding, while others are not sure about it and the benefit and value coaching can add to their business and themselves.

I promote my business as a Transformational Coach & Speaker.

People frequently ask questions during my networking conversations such as:

1. What is coaching?

Coaching is helping someone by providing training and guidance to develop skills or performance in which an experienced person, called a coach, supports a coachee or client in achieving a specific personal or professional goal within a realistic timeline.

There are several prefixes to the word Coaching.  Business and executive; Career; Co-coaching; Dating; Financial; Health and wellness; Homework; In education; Life; Performance; Relationship; Sports; Vocal and Transformational.

2. What is transformational Coaching?

Transform means to CHANGE something about what is currently not working and maybe it has served its purpose and no longer useful. And, you need to change something about your mindset that you can action and help you move forward. The alternative is to get stuck in a rut or go around in circles.

Transformation starts when you say YES. It begins with you choosing to change the way you think to be the best you can be. In a nutshell, it's a mindset shift or a paradigm shift.  Coaching means that you decide to work with someone who has the best interest in their heart to help you. As your coach, I accompany you on your journey, almost like a sat nav guiding you to reach your destination. Remember! You are always in the driver's seat.

I ask you questions that are thought-provoking, challenge, support and encourage your thinking. We explore several options and work at a pace that can help you achieve your goals in a realistic timeline.

The difference you experience is significant.

• You feel confident in achieving your goals.
• You get a more in-depth insight into yourself.
• You feel empowered
• You discover your true potential hid deep down in the rubble of the past.

3. How does Coaching, Mentoring, from any other kind of therapies?

Although the English semantics give a precise definition about each word, There is an overarching meaning to these semantics, which I believe holistically falls under the heading of Help, Care, Guidance and Advice

Any form of therapy generally aims to solve problems by understanding what happened in the past. Coaching & Mentoring is almost exclusively future-focused. Therapists may diagnose, advise and prescribe medication. Coaches and Mentors use various techniques to facilitate the process of an individual finding the best path for themselves.

Coaching is a powerful method without labelling a person into some kind of category. Coaches support you in making the changes you choose to make in your life. They help you along to deal with your on present issues and breakthrough your limiting beliefs in achieving your goals. On the other hand, if you feel like you carry around past trauma that you want to unravel, then therapy, or counselling is likely a better fit.

4. How do I choose the right coach for me?

Although it's not possible to predict how each coach conducts their sessions. You must find a coach that is the right fit for you and you can build a respectful professional relationship you can trust. A good coach will encourage you to do that and will be honest in expressing if the coaching relationship will be mutually beneficial or not. 

You can also ask them about their qualifications, experience, testimonials of other clients, and go by your gut feeling and intuition. Qualifications, although essential and indicates the person is knowledgeable. However, it still doesn't necessarily answer the questions about your gut feelings and a sense about the person. Coaching is person-centred service functions effectively in a health coach and coachee relationship.

Sometimes, personalities clash for whatever reasons, and you don't need to adapt yours to meet theirs. You will sense all this in in your free consultation when the coach and the coachee aim to build a rapport, and ultimately you must feel comfortable working with that person.

5. How many coaching sessions I need?

Most coaches will offer you a set amount of sessions, coaching packages ranging from 4 to 12 sessions which can span over three to twelve months. Generally, a session lasts between 45 minutes to 90 minutes. You and your coach can determine the number of sessions you need for you to achieve your goals and objectives. With coaching there is an agreed timeline to achieve your goals depending on how the coaching dynamics work between you and your coach

6. How much does coaching cost?

The proverbial how long is a piece of string comes into play. Coaching is an investment in your personal development and should be viewed in that light.

Coaching fees vary significantly from coach to coach. For example, if someone charges £50 per session comparatively to £150 or £500. There are also several coaching packages and deals. The lower cost doesn't necessarily mean 'bad coach' neither, a high price means' best coach'. It's like someone driving a Vauxhall Corsa versus Ford Mondeo versus BMW or a Merc or a Bentley. They all come under the heading 'vehicle'.

To get the best value for your money is to focus on the coach. First, see if you have a good rapport and you feel you can trust this person. Go with your gut feelings. Be intuitive about it.  Check if the fees are competitive in the marketplace? If all these elements align together at the beginning of your complimentary meeting, then you can make an informed choice to hire that coach. After all, it is your hard-earned investment and returns matter.

7. What if I don't achieve my goals and objectives?

The word IF is of significant importance here and you won't know until you go through a collaboratively coaching process. It’s like you will need to get on that plane to fly to a destination in the world you want to go.

Take world's well-known coaches and trainers such as Tony Robbins, Jack Canfield, Brian Tracy and the enigmatic Trillion Dollar Coach Bill Campbell to name a few will NOT guarantee that you will achieve your goals and objectives by hiring them. The only way you to be sure and confident in achieving your goals is to stay committed, overcome self-limiting beliefs and be consistent. A good coach will help you to stay on track to overcome those limiting beliefs. He or she will provide support, encouragement, challenge and sometimes even advise with your permission if you feel you are losing focus.

A good coach will encourage you to widen your rationale and perspective and explore several options. Ultimately, you will always have the choice to decide what works best for you. As a result, you will get inspired, wiser, confident, similar to a great athlete who desires to become the best they possibly can be.

Finally, think of a coach as your 'audible' conscience with whom you get to share your thoughts, your beliefs and the goals you desire to achieve. There's accountability on both sides.

8. Can I achieve my goals and objectives without a coach?

Yes and No

Yes, means shows your commitment and you need support. Coaching can work.

No means perhaps you are or not committed but want to go it alone and find your way. You don't need a coach and Coaching won't work for you.

Anyone can achieve their goals if they are serious enough about it. Not everyone in the world hires a coach and decide to go on their own.

In reality, and as I am aware that every athlete competing in world-class sports has a coach/mentor/physiotherapist/ and extensive support structure to develop and sustain their performance. Performance is what people see, but a lot of work goes behind the scene.

For example, successful entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates, late Steve Jobs, Richard Branson, Jeff Bezos, to name a few and asked them how did they become so successful? I am sure they will talk about their vision, commitment, hard work and sacrifices they made and the risks they took, made mistakes and learnt lessons. But if you probe deeper, they'll admit to working with coaches who guided them through their development process.

So, in my opinion, the answer is YES. You can do better with a coach to help you. It does not eliminate, your hard work, dedication and commitment to achieving your goals. You need a coach to support you and help you to stay in the game so you can get where you want to be.

If you have further questions, Please Email info@davidandrewcoaching.com  

Call: 07778 062507  Visit: DavidAndrewCoaching.com