The Coaching Process

1. Coaching is holistic.  There are many parts of life i.e. career, current job, future job, transitions, relationships (personal/professional), physical well being, spirituality, etc., and it will always be your choice as to the focus that we hold. As the coach, I work with you, holding your focus, as you integrate values, beliefs, opportunities and actions that will lead you forward in a positive way. The intentions, and the more specific areas for dialogue at each session, come from you.
2. The first meeting is a two-hour Discovery Session and usually occurs virtually. Prior to this first meeting, I will forward you a Discovery Session Profile for you to complete as an initial assessment tool. There are a number of questions which encourage self- reflection (personal and professional) and begin to help you determine the focus you want to hold, the changes you may be considering and the results you want to achieve.
3. Additional Assessment Tools may be  identified as useful to complete. These may be administered prior to Discovery or part way through the coaching journey. We will collaborate to determine how and when to use these additional tools.
4. Development of Goals begins during Discovery and these are refined as needed throughout the process. A customized Learning Plan may be developed either using a template of your choosing, or as created together by us.
5. During our initial meeting we will create our Designed Alliance which clearly outlines how we will work together. The intent of the coaching relationship is to create a safe and courageous partnership between coach and client, where your dreams, hopes and goals are the primary focus. It is through the Designed Alliance that we ensure a powerful, honest and productive coaching relationship is established. We will revisit and re-design the alliance as necessary throughout the coaching process.
6. If coaching is sponsored by your organization, a 3 way meeting with you, your immediate supervisor and myself may be requested. If so, this will occur after Discovery, with Goals and Learning Plans modified as necessary, and specifics regarding confidentiality clarified.
7. After the initial Discovery Session, bi –weekly 1 hour virtual coaching sessions are scheduled.  During each coaching session, you identify your specific agenda for that session. I then work with you to maintain alignment with your broader goals and focus.
8. Homework is identified, either by you or me, during each coaching call. This may be a stretch assignment, a challenge, a specific task, or an inquiry for reflection. The intention with homework is always to deepen learning while forwarding action. We will review homework at the beginning of the next session and accountability for completion is yours. Sometimes homework is modified by clients in between sessions and that’s fine too. Whatever happens is what needs to happen and there is always learning associated.
9. In between sessions you may contact me by email or phone to briefly review emerging issues, questions, concerns and/or successes. You can always count on my prompt response.
10. Coaching is a confidential process. I will always hold what you share with me as confidential. As the agenda of calls is driven by you, and the content is yours, it is up to you, what, if any parts of the process you choose to share with others. If your manager/organization is supporting the process, any goals or expectations they have of you, are for you and your manager to discuss. I will inform the manager/organization of attendance at sessions, and otherwise will not disclose any specific information about the content of the sessions.
11. My commitment as Coach is to: be present and fully listening; be honest and straightforward in asking questions and making requests; challenge your assumptions about yourself and others; reflect back to you what I see and hear; support your as you explore and recognize your choices; hold you accountable to yourself for the actions you identify and agree to take. I am not the expert about your future – you are! You are responsible and more than completely able to identify and make the choices and decisions that are best for you. I fundamentally believe that individuals are naturally creative, resourceful and whole, and I will always hold that perspective when coaching with you.
12. Timeline: Coaching is a journey, and does not necessarily have a prescriptive timeline. While the typical coaching relationship continues to add value to a client’s life over an extended period of time, I have no absolute minimum or maximum requirements. I do recommend that you commit to a minimum of 6 months, in order to give yourself the opportunity to fully experience the process.
13. Credentialing requirements (ICF # 0090225851): As a Professional Certified Coach, it is part of my credentialing requirement through the International Coach Federation (ICF) to keep records of my clients and the numbers of coaching hours I practice in order to maintain my certification. I will request each client’s permission to keep a confidential record of their name, phone number and email address in order to meet these requirements. Credentialing ensures that the profession maintains high standards related to those practicing in the field.
14. Availability, Notice and Payment: Coaching requires a commitment. I will be available, on time and fully present for each scheduled session. It is important that you are prepared to do the same. I am aware that “life happens”, and so understand that things may occur that require you to miss an appointment. If you anticipate a scheduling issue, I appreciate a minimum of 24 hours’ notice.  I also understand that emergencies occur, and will not charge you in those circumstances. Please be advised that if there is a pattern of missed calls, or sufficient notice or explanation is not received, you will be charged for missed sessions.