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Life Transitions FAQs
Answers to Some of Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about…
Coaching is a professional discipline which contains elements from the fields of both consulting and counseling. Perhaps the best analogy of what coaching is can be seen in the sports arena – Just as in football, tennis or baseball coaching, a business or personal coach guides, motivates, encourages, trains when necessary and appropriate, and holds accountable. Coaching, unlike mental health counseling, works with fully functioning individuals and primarily focuses on the future rather than the past. Coaching presumes the individual is often capable of resolving his/her own problems, given the proper tools and guidance.
I specialize in coaching related to career transitions (moving from one job or career field to another)… and in personal and business “life coaching” (focused on transitions in the workplace and interpersonal relationship issues).
Individuals who are changing careers (either voluntarily or through downsizing, semi-retirement, etc.) come to me for guidance in determining a suitable career or job choice; help in researching available options; skills training in networking, interviewing and salary negotiations, as well as for professional services such as résumé writing. Through professional career coaching, I help relieve the stress and uncertainty which inevitably is a major aspect of such transitions… and greatly increase the odds of job offer success and fulfillment in the chosen career.
Absolutely, without question! As an example, clients who have been through my interview skills coaching alone invariably have experienced a greatly increased ratio of job offers per interviews (typically twice as many job offers, or more, than prior). Also, my career transition coaching clients have averaged a 12% or greater increase in starting salary offers after coaching. More effectively written résumés mean more interviews for the better jobs. For a job paying $50,000 a year, as an example… that averages out as a $6,000 increase as a result of coaching – several times the cost of an entire coaching package. It is difficult to put a monetary value on stress and anxiety reduction, but that alone is usually worth the fee paid for coaching services. All of this adds up to - More offers, better jobs, higher salaries… and less stress in the process! I’ll go a step further, if my career transition coaching package plan does not do all of this for you, and more, I will gladly refund half of your fee paid.
I learned many years ago when I first started instructing tennis and teaching high school students S.A.T. exam prep skills… that I can only give 100% of my skills and energy to the half I can control, the rest is up to the client. But, if it’s obvious that you have given 100% and still haven’t been successful, I’ll even refund your half as well. In 30 years of instructing and coaching/consulting, I’ve only had to do that once. But, that peace of mind option is available to you, and serves as an indication of my sincerity and commitment. Personally, I prefer you succeeded, but I figure if I’m going to hold you accountable… I need to be, too!
For those fortunate enough to reside in the northeast Florida area, I encourage them to come to my Orange Park (Fleming Island) office for face-to-face coaching. Coaching by phone and/or online is also available by appointment from anywhere in the world, with prior coordination. Phone coaching can be extremely convenient, cost effective and equally as productive as in person coaching. I can also travel to you on a case by case basis. There is usually a reasonable fee added for my travel time and expense, but sessions may be combined to mitigate that. Please call for information.
Please read the information on the career transition page (or life transitions page, as appropriate). Basically, the package plan saves you money while at the same time providing more effective coaching due to enhanced structure, continuity and commitment (on both of our parts).
For you, the one which best combines your interests, skills, and experience, while taking into account your gifts, talents, personality, life situation, desires and beliefs/values system. Sounds complicated? I make it easy… That’s why you pay me the big bucks. Again, that’s why I’m your coach… Get to know me better, and I will tell you.
Answers to Some of Your Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about…
Coaching is a professional discipline which contains elements from the fields of both consulting and counseling. Perhaps the best analogy of what coaching is can be seen in the sports arena – Just as in football, tennis or baseball coaching, a business or personal coach guides, motivates, encourages, trains when necessary and appropriate, and holds accountable. Coaching, unlike mental health counseling, works with fully functioning individuals and primarily focuses on the future rather than the past. Coaching presumes the individual is often capable of resolving his/her own problems, given the proper tools and guidance.
Coaching is not counseling or consulting, but it contains elements of those disciplines. The best analogy for coaching comes from sports teams – A life coach guides, encourages, motivates, trains when appropriate, and holds accountable. And, I would add, a coach is goal oriented – oriented toward achieving your goals… A good coach will be thoroughly experienced in his discipline of expertise, be an excellent observer/listener, analyst and a superb communicator.
Yes. Life transitions, such as divorce, midlife “crises”, health problems, etc. can all have a direct impact on work performance and satisfaction. Relationship issues, communications problems, conflict resolution, time management, goal setting, bad habit formation, group dynamics, and the like… all have a role to play in personal and workplace dynamics.
Yes. Executive and personnel coaching (in person or by phone) are often provided by progressive and proactive corporations, at corporate expense. Business entrepreneurs/owners employ coaches at intervals or long-term (and take an applicable business expense deduction) to increase their own efficiency and provide an objective and confidential sounding board for their plans and actions regarding business and personnel issues. I also provide group workshops and individual coaching on a variety of workplace issues such as – “Breaking Bad Habits”; “Dealing with ‘Challenging’ Co-workers or Clients”; “Conflict Resolution Techniques”; “Motivating Others”; “Healing and Strengthening Relationships at Work… and at Home”; “Difficult Communications Problems Solved”; “Different Styles for Different Personalities”; “Group Dynamics”; “Managing Chaos”; “Easing Transitions”; “How to Coach for Performance”; and “Teamwork Skills for Achievers”. Please refer to the “Life Transitions” page for additional topics and information.
For those fortunate enough to reside in the northeast Florida area, I encourage them to come to my Orange Park (Fleming Island) office for face-to-face coaching. Coaching by phone and/or online is also available by appointment from anywhere in the world, with prior coordination. Phone coaching can be extremely convenient, cost effective and equally as productive as in person coaching. I can travel to you for executive or individual management coaching. There is usually a reasonable fee added for my travel time and expense, but sessions may be combined to mitigate that. Please call for information. The simple answer is whenever it is mutually convenient. Most executives and individuals prefer to set up a regularly scheduled time for coaching a couple of times or more a week, usually at the same time slot – for example, each Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at 2 p.m. This allows for an uninterrupted session and a clearer schedule to enhance the effectiveness of the session, whether it is by phone or in person. Evening and weekend time slots are also available, although more scarce. Sometimes this can be to the advantage of clients in a distant time zone, however.
Normally, (except for overseas calls) I, as your coach, will initiate the session call. Your responsibility is to be ready and available for the scheduled session, on time. I will discuss with you the various details of logistics at the beginning of our first session, but… promptness and readiness (as agreed) are all a part of being accountable. Also, I don’t want to inconvenience or penalize a follow-on client’s session, as a domino effect can otherwise result from unanticipated extended sessions. Session times may be rescheduled with 48 hours of advance notice (emergencies excepted), otherwise a scheduled session fee is charged.
Clients are given access to my personal cell phone number for urgent or emergency issues. I am glad to provide brief unscheduled coaching as long as I am available and not with another client. I am committed to your success
I adhere scrupulously to the ethics and guidelines for professional standards of both the International Coach Federation – Career & Life Coaches (I am a founding/charter member of the ICF) and the American Association of Christian Counselors (also a charter member). Additionally, I have been an active member of the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce since 2001. A large percentage of my clients are referrals from previous or current clients. My reputation for skill and integrity is my business. If at any stage of the coaching process you are dissatisfied with the coaching process for any reason whatsoever, I will gladly return any prepaid fees, prorated. I recognize that it’s important to “click” with a coach, personality and values wise, in order to be most effective. I want you to succeed… and achieve your potential – in work and in life… whether it’s with my assistance or with someone else.
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Achieve your potential - in work and in life! |
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