How The Coaching and Advisory Process Works   This Page Contains: On-Line Coaching Methods Live Coaching Methods Coaching in a CorporateEnvironment The Coaching Process Communication Methods Administrative Procedure

What are some of the on-line methods you use?

We put a variety of information on-line so one can access content whenever you want. For example a fair amount of materials are available as web seminars, workshops or on-line course formats. See examples.

Are there on-line assessments available?

Yes, we use a number of these assessments depending on the nature of the learning outcomes.

Do you use on-line articles?

Yes. Some are articles we generate and some are from other third parties. Many are classic articles in the field.

Others relate to problems executives likely will encounter. As example of some of these constraints are listed in the article titled: Twelve Psychological Barriers to Self-mastery and Personal Success.

What video conference systems do you use?

We prefer using a more advanced approach since the technology allows so much more capability than just voice audio.

— For Mac users there is Apple's iChat — a secure and encrypted medium for Mac to Mac communication.

— We can also communicate using web conferencing systems such as Webex. Most companies have secure methods of video conferencing that we can connect with.

Do you use virtual meeting technology?

We like it since it allows us to develop a joint plans together real time.

What live coaching methods do you use?

There are a number of different methods available. These include:

a. Verbal Feedback.

b. Discussion.

c. A Journal.

d. Assignment debriefs.

e. Tests.

f. Reviews.

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?

Generally speaking, mentors are senior executives who develop a formal or information relationship with someone fairly new to the organization.

Advantages of mentoring include:

• It opens up the vast reservoir of tribal knowledge important to understanding the culture,
• Provides excellent visibility to the junior person, and
• Give access to the internal network of contacts.

Major disadvantages include:

• Few senior executives are good at building skills--the major competency of a coach.
• An external coach offers a degree of confidentiality to executives not always available for those working internally, and
• It's highly unlikely that a junior or senior person will open up enough to share some deep seated anxieties and worries.

Should I use an external or internal coach?

This is a client judgment call. It would depend on the organizations privacy polices, budget, availability of internal expertise, amount of time one can dedicate, whether you have want live or on-line coaching, etc.

Are clients asked to read?

Yes.

Are clients expected to spend a lot of time reading?

If one want's to be the best, it makes sense to consult the best thinkers on the subject for their inputs. The amount of reading depends on what your goals are. If the outcome is a fairly narrow one, such as a specific skill, very little theory is needed. Most of the time will be spend on practice and discussion.

Can you work on complex cognitive skills?

Yes, but ff you are trying to work on something more complicated such as a component of emotional intelligence such as achievement motivation, a great deal of reading would be needed since the motivation theory is complicated.

I have never studied leadership, do you have the basic material?

We make use of a number of classic leadership theory books. We also have access to a number of college textbooks For more information, consult Theory Books

Do woman and men have different leadership coaching requirements?

Growing research indicates there are stylistic differences between men and woman. One way to think about this is rather than look at male and female, one looks at gender affects: i.e. masculine and feminine. We talk about this as part of our Quick Start Process.

Are there standard coaching elements?

Yes. What's typically in the coaching process includes:

A needs or skills assessment. It's helpful to know where you are before you figure out where you're going.

Setting short and long-term goals. It doesn't pay to be lost in on the road of life with no direction and aim.

A clear plan of action. All trips require a map just as all coaches require a game plan.

For live coaching, is it always necessary to meet face to face?

It’s always preferable. But if you are in Asia or Europe and we are in America, this may only happen at the beginning and when travel schedules allow. In some types of coaching such as team leadership, it is especially important.

Do you do telephone coaching?

No. Auditory learning doesn't work as well as visual and auditory combined.

Do you do on-line coaching?

Yes. But we require the use of video feeds so we can see and hear each other (see below).

How are payments done?

We work on a retainer bases and require a specific contract.

Do you offer a refund?

You can stop at any time and we will refund what remains in the retainer.

What happens if I miss a session?

If you miss a scheduled session it is charged as though it took place. This is due to the fact the busy people tend to get evolved in a crisis of the moment. So the corporate environment tends to not support coaching outcomes. In any case, the coach has to do up-front planning for each session anyway.

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