The International Coaching Federation says “Establishing the Coaching Agreement is to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to an agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.”

Coaching is pretty different from consulting. In the coaching session the coach will support the client’s choices to empower the client and maximise their performance. In consulting, the specialist will suggest some exercises to improve communication skills and give advice on becoming a good orator. The coaching sessions are very helpful because the clients can discover their values, beliefs, fears, and limitations. They can also undertake private consultations, and receive communication tips to enable them to take action and reach their goals.

Each International Coaching Federation’s Coach must abide by the ethical standards and interpretive statements of the organization. This ensures that every coach will act with integrity and a high sense of confidentiality, which are two key principles in creating a safe space for the client. To read the Code of Ethics go to the: International Coaching Federation’s page.

As the coach follows ethical rules of conduct to ensure a safe space and confidentiality for a client, the client should be honest during the coaching sessions, be accountable for their relationship with the coach (be punctual, do homework. etc) and, last but not least, be dedicated to the sessions.

The aim of the coaching sessions is to enable the client to take action and reach their goals. Coaching plans vary from client to client, depending on what they want to achieve. Each person is unique with his/her identity, beliefs and values. The international Coach Academy recommends at least 3 sessions and a discovery session in order to establish a good relationship with your coach and to start getting the best results.

It is recommended that you have regular sessions, and that you meet with your coach at least once a week. This ensures continuous work, progress and commitment.

No, as a coach I can work with people/companies from different fields. However, as a communications specialist I can advise people specifically in that field.

I am Associate Certified Coach (ACC) qualified. I chose to take this qualification because I agree with what the International Coach Academy states:

• by gaining and maintaining registration with a professional body, you can ensure that the skills you have are at the cutting edge of the industry
• coaching is a big commitment of money, time, energy and emotion. Clients want to know that they are investing in a service they can trust. Trusted qualifications give clients this reassurance
• associating your business with a name brand. The ICF has been promoting the importance of being a certified coach which is continuously gaining recognition in corporations.
• coaching is continuing to grow in popularity and will continue to be in demand for the foreseeable future.

According to the International Coach Academy, there are the 7 simple steps in the coaching process:

1. Establishing the coaching agreement
2. Setting the goals and outcomes of the sessions
3. Clarifying the client’s current situation
4. Identifying any barriers 
5. Making a plan of action and committing to it 
6. Exploring new ways of learning
7. Holding yourself accountable.

“During this process the coach will help a client clarify their values, beliefs, feelings, perceptions and ideas, and will hold a safe space for them to identify their barriers, challenges, strengths, knowledge, and skills.  Opportunities for shifting limiting beliefs or reframing perspectives will be identified. The coach will be a sounding board for new ideas and the co-creator of goals, action plans, and accountability structures.  And, throughout the whole process, they will be the client’s number one supporter by acknowledging and encouraging their client.” (International Coach Academy).

Each International Coaching Federation’s Coach must abide by the ethical standards and interpretive statements of the organization. This ensures that every coach will act with integrity and a high sense of confidentiality, which are two key principles in creating a safe space for the client.

The coach has an ethical responsibility to decide when not to coach. If the coach can’t work with a client, they will refer him/her to another type of therapy, or to an appropriate colleague and/or expert.

The International Coaching Federation says “Establishing the Coaching Agreement is to understand what is required in the specific coaching interaction and to come to agreement with the prospective and new client about the coaching process and relationship.”

The information that the International Coaching Federation suggests that we include in the contract, is as follows:

• Terms of the agreement (1 session, 6 sessions, unlimited for 3 months etc)
• Coaching Schedule (weekly, monthly, ad hoc)
• Scope of Practice (what coaching is, and isn’t)
• Fee Schedule (how much you charge and in what currency)
• Fee Payment (options and timeline for payment)
• Cancellation or reschedule of session policy
• Where and how you will coach (phone, in person etc)
• Statement of Ethics
• People or stakeholders included in the coaching
• Confidentiality statement.

The International Coach Academy describes what a coach is and isn’t using a bicycle analogy:

“You have a destination in mind and can get there by walking or riding a bike. You decide to go by bike because it seems to be a quicker option. A consultant will tell you where to sit, where to put your feet, when to pedal, and when to brake (and then leaves you on your own). A therapist explains why it is important for your self-esteem to successfully ride the bike. A mentor shares with you their experience or expertise of cycling and advises the most effective way they have found to ride one. However, a coach will be your motivating and supportive guide from beginning to end. They will help you understand why riding a bike is so important to you and ask you questions designed to help you prepare and map out your journey such as what fitness or skill level do you need and what colour bike you want. Together you will set targets like when you’re going to buy your bike and address any barriers such as fear of falling. Your coach will then run alongside you, checking on your progress and enjoyment throughout the journey, helping you to adjust or recreate the plan as needed. At the end, they will support you to evaluate the experience – do you want to pursue the mastery of bike riding or would you rather sell the bike and take the train?”