Not sure if coaching is for you? Check our frequently asked questions.
What is coaching?
[JP] When you have a coach, you have someone on your side, focused on your agenda, supporting, challenging and encouraging you to be the best you can be. Your coach will help you to understand and value yourself better, and to gain clarity and take action.
How do I know if coaching is for me?
[JP] Coaching can be used by most people and indeed, sports people and senior business people generally have their own coach. If you want to be your best, coaching is for you. However, coaching is not suitable if you are clinically depressed, so consult your doctor if this may be true for you.
What will coaching do for me?
[JP] Coaching provides results unique to each client… it may be clarity regarding a decision, more self-belief and confidence, better relationships with those around you, a greater sense of fulfilment, help with getting unstuck and making change happen. Whatever your personal circumstances, coaching will support and motivate you to close the gap between where you are and where you wish to be.
Will my coach tell me what to do?
[JP] Coaching is more about listening than telling. When you tell friends and family your challenges, they immediately try to help find a solution for you. But their solution is seldom quite right for you. Your coach will encourage you to explore fully to find your own best solution. They may help you with ideas, but they will never tell you what to do.
Do coaches give advice?
[JP] Coaches provide insight rather than advice. They sometimes spot the truth behind what you are saying (or not saying) and encourage you to give yourself advice. You probably find yourself giving advice to others… your coach will help you to help yourself.
What sort of things can I talk to my coach about?
[JP] You can talk about anything in life – your career, relationships, health, challenges, goals etc. If there is something you wish to change or achieve, your coach will help you to take action and get to where you wish to be.
I’m not happy with my job/business. Can a coach help me decide what I should do?
[JP] Yes… coaching is all about helping you to move on, by helping you to gain the clarity required to make decisions. If you feel stuck and wish to change direction, it is vital that you explore your options… you may feel you have no options, but coaching will help you to see that there are options and to choose your path.
How long does coaching take?
(JP)This is variable, but coaching doesn’t generally provide a ‘quick fix’. You could just do one session (probably a minimum of 30 minutes), but typically, people work with their coach for 45-60 minutes, once/twice/3 times a month, for several months. If you wish to change habits, change ways of thinking, explore new options, this method of regular coaching will build real momentum and lead to real change.