What are the differences between coaching and …………
	How long does coaching last?
	What is the format for a coaching session?
	What results might you see?

What are the differences between coaching and …………

Therapy/Counselling?
Therapy or counselling is for people who have problems - they may be suffering from significant emotional or behavioural difficulties, possibly as a result of a recent tragedy or unresolved past issues that are affecting their life. Coaching tends to be present and future-focused. However, coaching may well involve an individual resolving emotional difficulties, and time may be spent looking at their personal as well as their work life. The key difference is that coaching requires action and focuses on outcomes - "What do you want to achieve?" (Not "What is your problem?"). Coaching helps individuals to create more of what they want in their life - excellence and success in their terms.

Training?
Training can provide a range of skills development for individuals - presentation skills, communication skills, etc. What training cannot do is create the long term shifts in behaviours and attitudes that are needed to create the flexible workforce needed for today's business environment. Because coaching tracks the individual over time and gives instantaneous feedback and support, there is more likelihood that the individual will be able to generate new insights that will inspire the changes needed.

Consulting?
Consultants are typically employed to resolve problems in an organisation and to assist in broad-based organisational change. They focus on the "what" and the "how" of the organisation. Coaching focuses on the "who" - the individual, their concerns and their issues. The primary focus is often behavioural - new skills will be practised and changes integrated over time.

How long does coaching last?

It may only take one session for an individual to get real value and make changes. However, most people like to make changes over time. Coaching is typically one-to-one, highly confidential and may last up to 6-12 months. Sessions are usually one hour long and held weekly or biweekly. For busy executives, coaching by telephone is also possible - a bonus for someone with a heavy travel schedule who wants to maintain continuity.

What is the format for a coaching session?

Each session is confidential and unique as it is guided by the individual.
Usually the client will have been asked to prepare for the session. Time will be spent clarifying outcomes- what they want, and what is causing difficulties in their life - a kind of needs analysis. Then the session will define outcomes - what would success look like? How will they know when they have achieved it? This sets the longer term goals and objectives.

The coach's role is to listen and ask questions that help the individual gain clarity. The coach may join in with brainstorming possible action steps or give suggestions on strategies - but their role is not to solve any problems but to uncover the answers that are within the individual, and get a commitment to taking action. Therein lies the key ingredient for success - setting challenges that the individual is prepared to commit to - be they small steps or stretch goals.

What results might you see?

Personal Benefits:
Changes in behaviours
	giving up self-destructive habits like smoking or other addictions
	setting higher standards for yourself and others, tolerating less
	better relationships with those around you as you become more honest and open in communication
	respecting yourself more - asking for what you want
	creating a schedule that allows you to experience ALL that you want to have in your life new or better things coming to you
New or better things coming to you
	attracting better people and more exciting opportunities
	creating a healthier environment around yourself
	more energy
	more time and less stress as you focus on your priorities and balance your life
Greater awareness and clarity
	appreciation of what changes may be possible
	ways to work through any perceived barriers to change
	higher expectations
	setting your visions with greater clarity
	becoming willing to take steps to achieve your goals and dreams
Corporate benefits:
Bottom line
	setting higher business standards and achieving greater business growth and revenue
	quantifiable job performance improvements ($$$$ returns)
	monetary payoff from coaching has been estimated at 6 x the costs
	marked increase in job satisfaction and motivation
	- increased organizational commitment - less staff turnover