Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coaching?
Why would I use a Coach?
What does the Coach do?
What does the process involve?
What results should I expect?
How do I select a professional Coach?

What is Coaching?

Coaching is a dynamic and collaborative process that helps an individual or company perform better, reach their personal/work goals and achieve a sense of balance or greater satisfaction out of life. Coaching isn't about fixing what's broken or working with issues from the past, but instead focuses on the here and now as a solution focused, goal oriented approach to self-fulfillment and expansion.

Why would I use a Coach?

Coaching can make significant shifts in an individual's life or help to improve a company's performance through investing in their key asset — people. It's best for those who want to transform or willing to make changes (small or large) to reach a higher goal or milestone, while being more inspired and motivated along the way. A Coach will help guide and focus people & companies through these changes.

As modern society accelerates, people are becoming increasingly disconnected, stressed and unfocused. This has a major impact on their personal, mental and physical wellbeing, as well as hinders them from reaching their full potential or vision. A Coach will help simplify these distractions and work in partnership with the client to achieve a sense of balance and purpose.

Companies are also experiencing these effects, as productivity and H/R costs increase from employees who are unfulfilled or are under too much pressure. It's no longer an internal issue. Government bodies are now taking a stronger stance on the negative impacts that stress has in the workplace and on the economy. A Coach will help align company objectives with personal objectives, as a modern solution for company wellbeing.

See philosophy for further understanding of the concept.

What does the Coach do?

A cross between a loyal supporter, a great facilitator and a challenging mentor, a Coach has a total belief in their client's success. During the coaching process, through questioning, the coach engages in confidential and thought provoking dialogue with the client to help them expand.

A coach will establish a trusting relationship with the client to support a co-creating process and keep it on track. A coach remains completely committed to the client in an objective and non-judgmental way and typically will use a variety of techniques and tools (i.e., NLP, self awareness, leadership, time management, MBTI) to help the client reach their goals.

See what to expect for further information.

What does the process involve?

The coaching process typically involves one to one sessions (unless the Coach is working with groups/teams), either face to face or over the telephone, and usually includes a results focused plan that helps the client to clarify objectives, set goals, overcome obstacles, an act on agreed milestones.

For Business, Executive & Wellbeing Coaching, programmes usually run in 3 - 6 month intervals, working with each individual or manager involved for two — four hours a month,  or as required. For Personal or Group coaching, the amount of sessions are tailored around the individual needs of the client that typically involve one hour sessions, followed up with email support where necessary.

See client agreement and our approach for further information.

What results should I expect?

Firstly, each Coaching session is unique to the individual or business, and the end results will be based on the quality of the coaching relationship, the commitment of the client, and clarity around the brief and objectives. That said, coaching is a powerful tool that can make a difference in several areas.

For business coaching, this includes enhanced performance — everything from being a more effective leader, launching a new business or project successfully, or even helping to shape a more innovative culture. For personal coaching results can be a range from achieving a promotion, breaking through a barrier to growth, or realising a dream!

Some of the softer outcomes include increased energy, higher confidence levels, better relationships, greater awareness and emotional/spiritual intelligence, higher motivation & fulfillment, increased communication skills, along with a higher capacity to juggle modern pressures.

See benefits for further information.

How do I select a Professional Coach?

Selecting a professional Coach is a personal experience.  There are several good Coaches out on the market, and it's important that a client is comfortable with who they choose. Guidelines for choosing a Coach are outlined in a document developed by the Association for Coaching, an independent, non profit UK based professional body, at the following link:

http://www.associationforcoaching.com/news/M20815.htm

Urban Coaching is a Founding Organisational Member of the Association for Coaching, where Katherine Tulpa, (Director of Urban Coaching) serves on the Council as Chair.
For further information, see about us.