Some of the questions I was asked recently at a networking meeting were:
- What happens when I book an exploratory call with a coach?
- Will I be sold to?
- Is there a minimum number of sessions I need to book?
- Is it like therapy where once you start, that’s it… for years?
Of course, I cannot talk about what happens with other coaches, but I can explain what happens when you click to book an ‘Exploring Coaching Conversation’ with me.
First things first…The first thing that will happen is you will reach a booking calendar where you can choose a time that works for you, and that I have made available. If, by any chance, you cannot find a time that works, you can always reach out to ask if a particular time and date is available, as I generally focus these calls at certain times to allow me to focus on other clients and project work, and there may well be another time I can meet with you. Our first meeting is likely to be over a zoom link. I will always make sure I am in my office or somewhere where our conversation can be completely confidential. You should also find somewhere to talk where you are comfortable talking about what has brought you to initiate the conversation. This first conversation is scheduled to last about a half hour so that we can get to know each other a little as people, as well as exploring the area you feel you need some support in. I will explain how I normally work, and judge whether I believe I can make a positive difference to your life, before outlining how we might work together, should you choose to go forwards. Although we book this as a half hour call, I always make sure I have a little leeway to extend this if we both agree and need more time to do this exploration.
So, will I be sold to?
I will talk about the fees I will invite you to book a number of sessions if you are interested but I will never push you to do so. There will never be a hard sell on our calls.
Without the fee information, you can’t make an informed decision to proceed or not. However, if I believe I am not the right coach for you, I will tell you and suggest an alternative coach. This would be entirely based on your needs and our fit.
Do you ever choose not to coach someone?
So far, I have not had to refuse to coach anyone. However, if I feel that someone would be better in therapy or counselling, I will make the suggestion that this would be a better fit. Normally people have already read my profile, and will be contacting me rather than another coach, because they have either heard me on a podcast, or read some of my blogs, and have got a feel that they would like to work with me. The call is just a check. I have agreed to coach someone with the caveat that we will review whether the coaching is the right course of action after two sessions. Each time this has happened, we have both agreed that the coaching was helping rather than hindering their improved wellbeing.
What if someone chooses not to go forwards with coaching?
If someone has an Exploring Coaching Conversation with me, but decides that they are not ready for coaching, or that another coach is a better fit, then that is perfectly fine. I will never push someone to start coaching if they are reluctant to do so, as that would not lead to a positive and productive coaching relationship. Equally, If we start coaching and either of us makes the decision that this is not working, for whatever reason, I will step back. I never want someone to feel they ‘have to’ be in a coaching session – this is a choice.
How long will you coach me for?
Sometimes a series of 4-6 sessions is enough to make the change that someone wants. At other times we book a second cycle of coaching before moving to either a more ad hoc set of appointments quarterly or ending the coaching. I always tell people in my Exploring Coaching Conversations that my aim is to give you the tools and personal insights to make myself redundant. And I mean it. My aim as a coach is to empower my clients to thrive.
If you have read this and want to explore coaching further, clink this link: https://calendly.com/petrawalker/one-hour-supervision-session
#coachingprofessionnal #positivecoaching #personaldevelopment
