My sister’s friend’s cousin’s chiropractor is a “life coach,” what makes you different? There are several folks out there hanging up signs and calling themselves “coaches.” My coaching is different because of the following:
I have completed an accredited program in coaching. I have a strong foundation in coaching knowledge and have completed a practicum. Unlike others, I am not relying solely on charisma or life experience to coach.
- I hold a professional coaching credential, and I am a member of the International Coach Federation (ICF). Dedicated to coaching excellence, I uphold the ICF’s rigorous code of ethics, core competencies, and professionalism.
- I am a Christian. This means that I am not going to espouse nonsense. I am not going to coach you around being your own goddess, self-worship, or any other false doctrine. I live my life by honoring my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Thus, I live according to His grace and mercy, by loving and serving others.
You’re a Christian. What does this mean for how you will coach me? Great question! While my faith is a central part of who I am as a person and my values, I understand that it may or may not be a part of yours. Rest assured, I will not force my faith on you. If you are indifferent to faith, from a non-Christian belief system, or even if you have a negative stance on God or faith, I believe that you will still benefit from coaching.
My coaching is focused on understanding your values. You own the coaching agenda; I own the process.
How is coaching different from therapy, mentoring, consulting, etc.? This is a wonderful question, and people ask this question a lot.
Coaching focuses on an individual’s current state of wholeness and relies on developing a meaningful, strategic plan to move forward.
Therapy focuses on an individual’s past or psychopathology. Therapy comes from the mindset that a person is “broken” or “incomplete.” Trained coaches refer individuals who would benefit from therapy. Unlike mentoring, a coach is not an advice-giver, but one who empowers the client to find and act on their own solutions. Unlike consulting, a coach is not going to share knowledge on how to solve organizational challenges.
How do I know that I can trust you with my private information <insert side eyes>? As an ICF member and a certified coach, I uphold the standards and Code of Ethics of the ICF. When it comes to your private information, I uphold the strictest confidentiality, unless release is required by law. I establish a clear coaching agreement with my clients. It is important that you feel safe to be your most authentic self in our coaching conversations, and I respect and value your vulnerability.
What if I want a mentor to provide me with specific guidance in the field of project management? You’re in luck! As a PMP-certified Project Manager, I have mentored many successful individuals in my career and through PMI. We can discuss your specific needs during a complimentary chemistry call. This meeting will determine if coaching or mentoring is the best fit for your goals.
Couldn’t I just read a self-help book or watch a video instead? I appreciate your honesty here. The self-help industry is booming, there’s no doubt. There are lots of great books and resources out there, containing many insights. However, individual coaching is different for several reasons:
- Coaching provides an action plan that is specific to YOUR needs. Unlike a self-help book or podcast that is prescriptive for the masses, coaching has only you in mind.
- Coaching provides a valuable point of accountability. As your coach, I will be your champion and if needed, I will challenge you.
- Coaching is an interactive partnership. You can go as far as you want to go, and we will celebrate your success every step of the way.
- Coaching creates lasting awareness and transformation; whereas, most self-help books get quickly forgotten.
Together, we can identify the blind spots you may not realize are blocking your thinking and your success.
Won’t coaching be a waste of my time and my money? Actually, ICF research has shown that 99% of coached individuals are satisfied with the overall experience. Further, 96% would be coached again, 70% saw an increase in their work performance, and 68% made back at least their investment. Coaching provides increased optimism, clarity, productivity, self-confidence, work-life balance, communication skills, and improved relationships. That’s a pretty awesome return on investment for those who are motivated.
Who do you coach? I coach motivated Leaders, Executives, Entrepreneurs, Small-Business Owners, Project Managers, Product Managers, Consultants, Strategists, Developers, Cyber Security Experts, Designers, Writers, and Artists.
What makes you special from the other coaches out there, really? Besides being a mature Christian, holding professional certifications, education, and years of experience in my career, I want to tell you that I don’t have all the answers. I am not a guru, nor am I perfect or “self-actualized.” But I am resilient. I have overcome considerable challenges in my life. Divorced. Laid-off. Single-mom of twins. Transitioned back to the workforce after several years. Acquainted with autism and mental illness. I have felt undervalued and unappreciated. Frustrated by jobs that drained me.
You want someone who can relate to the struggles you have faced or are facing. I can empathize. I understand, and I want only the best for you.
Lastly, Got another burning question you’d like to ask me, or one you think should be included in this list? Please contact me.