FAQs Archive - ThoughtfulLeader.com

Q: Is the First Session Just An "Intro Call"?

No. The first session is a real coaching call. I'm not interested in having a discussion about coaching - I think it's more valuable for you if we actually do some coaching. Then you can become familiar with the process and we can determine whether my coaching is a good option for you moving forward. I allow 90 minutes for the first session, so we don't need to rush to stop in 1 hour. I can also answer some of your questions about the coaching process and how it can work for you.

Q: Why Don't You Coach For a Set Number of Sessions?

People and leadership are complex, and it's really difficult to determine how many sessions will be needed to achieve an outcome. That's why I like to forget about targeting a number of sessions. Instead, I have packages that focus on coaching you for a set time period, either 4 or 6 months in duration. This way, we can be flexible with the session schedule, and if situations arise that require more attention, we can slot in extra sessions without worrying about the additional cost. During the time period, I'll be able to support you better, without worrying about exactly how many sessions you have left to go. That said, it's generally not a good idea to have sessions too frequently, because what happens in between the sessions is extremely important! You need the time to take action between sessions to achieve your goals.

Q: What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Coaching?

To prepare for coaching, you need to be prepared to put in the work, and to be open and honest about your situation. If you want someone to give you the answers, my coaching services are not for you. However, if you're willing to put in the effort and have challenging conversations about your leadership, then coaching will be able to help you. Coaching conversations can be uncomfortable sometimes, because we are discussing problems that are holding you back. Sometimes you might be unaware of the real problem, and our conversations will uncover them. This can be uncomfortable, because you're learning some truths about yourself. However, having these conversations is exactly what will help you to move forward and let go of what is holding you back.

Q: Is Coaching Just Like a Conversation?

Not really. Sure, we do talk during the session. However, coaching is about outcomes - and to get outcomes, we need to focus. We need to work to identify the real issue that you're having and what is holding you back. If you come to the session with a list of problems a mile long, then we will never get anywhere. So I will help you narrow your focus so we can tackle specific topics to help you move forward. A coaching conversation helps you to see your situation differently, so that you can take action and do something different. After all, what you're doing now isn't quite working, so we need to work together to make a change.

Q: How Much Time Will I Need to Spend?

It all depends. The coaching sessions themselves are up to 90 minutes in length, so that doesn't take too long. But it's what you do in between the sessions that matters. In each session, we work to develop actions for you to take after the session. This might involve trying out things at work - this may take a lot of effort. The only way you will get results is to put in the work outside of the coaching sessions. What this looks like exactly will depend on the topics that we discuss.

Q: Will Coaching Give Me the Answers to My Leadership Challenges?

Yes and no. Coaching is not about me telling you what to do - it's about having conversations to help you work through your challenges, understand the best way to achieve your goals, or to test your ideas. So no, I won't give you the answers. But I will facilitate a process where you will come to understand what the answers are! If I just tell you what to do, there is no buy-in from you. You need to be involved in generating the solutions, so you are more invested in executing them and following through. During the sessions, I can provide advice based on my experience. But I won't do this straight away, because this is just another form of giving you the answers.

Q: How does the Presale work?

Unfortunately the Pre-Sale has closed , but you can still enrol - the course opens from 9th November 2020. When the course opens, I'll give you access to the online course platform (Teachable) and organise the coaching session with you, if you chose the coaching plan option.

Q: How long will the course take to complete?

This course is not meant to take you a long time - it's meant to help you improve accountability and start to see results, fast. The lesson videos should take you only a few hours to complete, but the real benefit of the course lies in completing the course exercises and your Accountability Plan. Some of the exercises in the course involve bringing the course material into your day to day working life and trying things out, so these may take longer. If you've selected the coaching plan, the course exercises also help you prepare for the upcoming coaching session and provide me with valuable input to help me understand your situation.

Q: How Do I Complete the Online Course?

The course is hosted on Teachable , a secure online learning platform. You'll be given access as soon as the course opens. Using this platform, you'll be able to access everything you need to complete the exercises and you can also leave comments and ask questions along the way. Teachable saves your progress as you go, and you can go at your own pace. I recommend completing a module at least every week so you have time to work on the exercises and complete your accountability plan as you go.

12 Next

Is the First Session Just An “Intro Call”?

Why Don’t You Coach For a Set Number of Sessions?

What Do I Need to Do to Prepare for Coaching?

Is Coaching Just Like a Conversation?

How Much Time Will I Need to Spend?

Will Coaching Give Me the Answers to My Leadership Challenges?

How does the Presale work?

How long will the course take to complete?

How Do I Complete the Online Course?

How Does the Coaching Plan Option Work?