Coaching Guide
We’ve rounded up responses to a few common questions that clients have asked before starting their coaching journey.
What is Professional Coaching?
Coaching is an ongoing relationship between a Coach, and a Client. It's a structured process of personal and professional development for emotionally and psychologically healthy individuals who want to make changes and move forward in their lives. Coaching is not therapy or counselling. At Sealy Coaching & Performance, we focus on building awareness, clarity, practice and grit to change habits and create possibilities. Together, Coach and Client design their relationship with the most successful coaching engagements spanning at least twelve sessions over a six-month term. Progress and change happens at rates unique to each individual and we always start with an initial consultation to explore whether the coaching process is a fit for your needs. Contact us to get started.
What is Positive Psychology?
Simply put, there are two ways for improving our wellbeing: one is to rid ourselves of the negative things in our lives, the second is to strengthen those things that are positive. Positive Psychology emphasizes the second. Coaches who use the principles of positive psychology focus on the potential use of strengths in clients - such as optimism, gratitude, and creativity - for enhancing day-to-day personal happiness. And happiness grows when we have pleasure, engagement and meaning in our lives. Moore (2010), Psychology Today
Where do I start?
We offer a complimentary initial consultation to all potential clients designed to assess coach-client fit. During this meeting we take some time to get acquainted and learn what brings you to coaching. We provide a brief orientation about Positive Psychology Coaching and how it differs from therapy, mentorship, and other coaching approaches. We share details about our coaching style, the format of a typical coaching session, and discuss the terms of the coaching agreement. If we agree there is a fit, we move forward and set a series of coaching sessions.
How do I know I'm ready for coaching?
Personally, or professionally, you are contemplating change, thinking about growth, or moving from the status quo to a new level of self-actualization, a new level of being your best and living your best life. If this describes you, then you are ready for coaching.
What does a coaching session look like?
Our coaching sessions are typically a 60-minute coaching conversation via phone or virtual platform. We start with a check in on your general well-being, discussing reflections or insights since our previous meeting. Then we set an agenda for the balance of the coaching conversation, which may include brainstorming solution focused ideas, developing insights and self-awareness to help you move toward achieving your goals. We typically close by setting action steps and building alignment around those steps to hold you accountable.
Is there homework?
Homework, and practice between sessions are essential accelerants to growth. The Coach will develop and communicate, homework and practice activities that are a best fit to each Client and their situation. Homework could be anything from assessments to scientifically identify strengths, to daily practices to develop new habits or refine skills.
What is the price?
Bespoke leadership, performance and team programs vary and are priced according to agreed scope.
What does success look like?
Measurement may be thought of in two distinct ways: external indicators of performance and internal indicators of success. Ideally, both are incorporated. Examples of external measures include achievement of coaching goals established at the outset of the coaching relationship. Examples of internal measures include changes in your self-awareness and awareness of others, shifts in thinking that create more effective actions, and shifts in your emotional state that inspire confidence. Courtesy of ICF (2015)