How does life coaching work? By Bob Foster, on 0117 9561162

Working with a coach: how it works in practice

How do we meet?

Coaching sessions can take place on the phone or face-to-face. If you live or work close by, it is good to meet first, even if we arrange to have subsequent sessions by phone. You choose.

Why do most life-coaches prefer working over the phone? There are many reasons:
Firstly it is so practical. You can arrange calls so that they suit your schedule, and you don't have to travel.
Secondly, you can choose to work with a coach anywhere in the world. You don't have to rely on finding the perfect match close to home. This is very important, because not all coaches will suit you.
Thirdly, it makes best use of your time.

When we first meet, we will discuss the best arrangement for you. The fee that we agree on will reflect how we work: how we communicate, how often and where and the level of support you want.

How long does it take?

That depends on the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. If you want coaching in order to decide whether or not to take a promotion, it could be just one session. If you are setting up a new business and want coaching to help build to be market leader it may take a little longer! You can retain your coach over a longer period, having sessions less frequently or on an as-needs basis.

What happens during the initial consultation?

I will listen carefully as you describe your situation, your goals, concerns and view of the future. You'll do most of the talking! The objectives of this first meeting are simple:

1) We will identify the main goals you wish to work towards. Sometimes these are clear to begin with, quite often they are not! Part of my job in this session is to help you clarify your vision of the future - to make it real and motivational.

2) You can ask me any questions you have about the coaching process.

3) We agree on the next step.

What happens during our regular sessions?

Although there is no such thing as a typical session, there are some recurring themes:
1) You, the client, set the agenda. From one session to the next, you decide what you want to get from it. I will ask questions that will enable you to think creatively. I will offer options for you to consider. I can then help you choose the options which are most likely to help in making your vision clear.
2) Although you set the agenda, part of my job is to keep you on track, working towards the goals and vision you decided on in our initial conversation. I will remind you of this if you start hopping from one topic to another!
3 ) I may give advice, but you are more likely to take action if an idea is yours. And one of the central beliefs of coaching is that the client, at some level, has most of the answers. I will offer advice if I feel it would help you make progress faster.

Some additional thoughts:

Within the overall coaching relationship, and in each coaching session, a wide variety of thoughts, insights, challenges and difficulties can arise. No two coaching sessions will follow exactly the pattern. I will be on the lookout for opportunities to probe and challenge and you will give thought to what particular issues need to be focused on.

You will be actively involved in the process and take ownership of the issues. You'll set high expectations for both yourself and me and allow time for reflection and observation outside of the coaching sessions.

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