FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is coaching?

Professional Coaching is a relationship between a coach and a client that brings out the best in the client and connects their inner strengths, passion, values and purpose to outward goals and strategies to produce extraordinary and sustainable success.

An effective coach provides a safe, comfortable environment, free from judgement, that allows their client to share openly. Coaching uses a process of inquiry and personal discovery to build the client's level of awareness and responsibility. The individual or team chooses the direction of the coaching session, while the coach listens and asks questions as well as interjecting coaching skills and principles which can assist in generating possibilities and identifying actions.The coach provides feedback and helps the client develop an action plan and holds him/her accountable while being understanding and supportive.

Coaching can help in various areas of a person's life such as relationships, finances, health and wellness, life transitions (loss of a job, relocation, loss of a loved one, etc), life purpose, leadership, recreation, and many others.

Here are some definitions commonly used in the coaching industry today:

"Coaching is partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential." - International Coach Federation

"Coaches anchor people to their own internal strengths; they inspire organizations to dream beyond their plans. They apply emotional and intellectual intelligence to the long haul of life and work. Coaches facilitate the change that clients need as they prepare to face the future with strength and optimism." - Frederick Hudson

"Coaching is a powerful alliance designed to forward and enhance the lifelong process of human learning, effectiveness and fulfillment." - The Coaches Training Institute

2. What are the benefits of coaching?

The coaching process provides fresh perspectives on personal challenges and opportunities, enhanced thinking and decision making skills, improved interpersonal effectiveness, and increased confidence in carrying out their chosen work and life roles. Consistent with a commitment to enhancing their personal effectiveness, they can also expect to see results in the following areas:

Clarity on your career vision
Set clear goals and objectives
Assess your strengths and developmental needs
Collaborate to establish your action plan and be held accountable for that plan
Problem solve potential obstacles
Honest feedback during all phases of coaching process
Deal with procrastination and avoidance of tasks
Learn new skills
Manage conflicts with others
Cope with negative emotional states
Become a better communicator
Improve interpersonal skills
Increase your emotional intelligence

3. What are some typical reasons someone may work with a coach?

Assisting in reaching your highest potential
Discover your passion and purpose
Attain fulfilment emotionally, financially, spiritually, socially and in various other areas of your life
Eradicate self sabotaging behaviors and thoughts
Enhance your self confidence
Make better decisions and become more empowered
Gain clarity about your life’s purpose
Learn how to set and achieve goals
Reduce stress and live a more balanced life
Live the life of your dreams
Overcome challenges
Gain clarity on choices to be made
Work and life are out of balance, and this is creating unwanted consequences
Identification of your core strengths and how best to leverage them
There is a need and a desire to better organized and more self-managing
Success in relationships

4. What has caused tremendous growth in the coaching industry?

Professional coaching is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. This field is exploding at a time when millions are in need of personal and professional growth and development. The loss of jobs, career transitions and the regular changes of life have opened a door for coaches to come along side of clients to make a real difference and to impact their lives in profound and positive ways. This new paradigm of training and learning opens the door to an array of coaching fields and services.The world has changed significantly, and coaching is a useful tool to deal with many of those changes. For example, coaching is a great tool for today's challenging job market. In addition, individuals who have experienced the excellent results of coaching are talking to more people about coaching. In short, coaching helps people focus on what matters most to them in life: professional and personal. People today are more open to the idea of being in charge of their own lives. Coaching helps people do just that; so the industry continues to grow.

5. How long does a coach work with an individual?

The length of a coaching partnership varies depending on the individual's or team’s needs and preferences. For certain types of focused coaching, 3 to 12 months of working with a coach may work. For other types of coaching, people may find it beneficial to work with a coach for a longer period. Factors that may impact the length of time include: the types of goals, the ways individuals or teams like to work, the frequency of coaching meetings, and financial resources available to support coaching.

6. How do I take the next step?

Please use the Contact form to let me know if you have any questions, or click here to schedule a FREE strategy session. All sessions are over the phone to allow for flexibility with your busy schedule, and so I can coach clients from all over the US and around the world.

Sharissa Sebastian,

MBA, MS, PMP, CPC, ELI-MP

Certified Life & Leadership Coach, Radio Show Host, Speaker, Writer,

Co-Owner of Stop.Smile.Breathe. Women's Retreats

Passion.Purpose.Power

Life and Leadership Coaching for Women