FAQs Archive - Thoughtful Leader

Q: Do I Need to Sign a Coaching Contract?

If you choose the Coaching Program option, then I will provide a coaching contract for you to sign. In summary, the coaching contract contains: The details of the coaching period and how often we will meet Confidentiality provisions about how I will deal with information provided during the sessions The price of the coaching as well as payment terms The policy to reschedule or cancel coaching sessions Ownership of any intellectual property generated; and Details of the legal jurisdiction that would govern any disputes or claims. I use the coaching contract in all of my coaching engagements, so that you understand the agreement and there are no surprises. I have never had any issues with clients where there has been a dispute, but the contract exists in the very rare case that this might occur. The contract is nothing to be nervous about - it simply describes the basics of our agreement so that we can get on with the real work - which is to help you achieve your goals and overcome your challenges.

Q: Does Coaching Really Work?

Coaching is a powerful investment that really works. However, the benefits people achieve may be different from person to person. Some of the benefits are explained here by the Institute of Coaching . Coaching is an investment in yourself and your leadership. So you can expect to see the following benefits: Greater self-awareness: You gain a greater understanding of how you think and operate. This helps you navigate complex leadership situations. Greater self-confidence: You'll gain self-confidence with someone like me on your side helping you. You'll reduce your limiting beliefs that are holding you back and see greater possibilities. Improved relationships: You'll examine the various relationships you have in your work and life, such as your boss, your team and colleagues. You may also examine your your leadership role and how it interacts with your personal and family life. Simply click one the button below to apply for your powerful Discovery Coaching Session.

Q: What Happens In the Discovery Coaching Session?

In our 90 minute Discovery Coaching Session, I'll ask you a lot of questions about your current situation and we'll discover what is really important for you. This includes the current challenges you would like to overcome or the goals you would like to achieve. We'll take a look at your ideal future and start plotting a path for you to get there. I will also discuss with you my initial observations and point out the areas where I think we need to focus our effort so you can get the best results. I only take on clients who are committed to making positive change, like to communicate openly and honestly, and are willing to invest in their own development, which is why I need potential clients to fill out the Coaching Application Form by clicking the button below. If you find the Discovery Coaching Session valuable, we can also discuss future coaching and what that might look like. Many of my clients go on to get great results after the initial session because they can feel the benefits.

Q: Do You Coach For a Set Number of Sessions?

It really depends on your requirements and preferences. In general, I find that coaching for 6 or 12 months at a time is the most effective. Over a time period like this, we can focus on your significant goals and challenges and you can achieve more powerful results. Some clients also prefer coaching just for a few sessions at a time. This is fine too, but sometimes because of the short-term nature of the coaching arrangement, we tend to focus on smaller goals and challenges. Of course, you can also get great results this way, but it's likely that for you to make lasting change , more consistent coaching can be beneficial. So, I have packages that focus on coaching for either 6 or 12 months in duration, with a coaching session every 2 weeks. In this arrangement, 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 any additional cost. During this time period I will also provide email support when needed, and the ability to jump on shorter calls (at a time agreeable to both of us) if you have something important you need to work on. I find that it's generally not a good idea to have coaching sessions too frequently, because what happens in between the sessions is extremely important! You need the time to think about what we have discussed and to take action to achieve your goals.

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

To prepare for coaching, you need to be committed 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 around 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 usually work to develop practical steps for you to take after the session. This might involve trying out things at work or at home - and this may take more 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. Coaching is also about mindset shifts and challenging your limiting beliefs. So no, I won't give you the answers. But I will facilitate a conversation 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. I'll help you get unstuck, so you can make progress. 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.