Welcome to our frequently asked question section. If you have a question but do not see it listed here send us an email @ info@irishcoachingsolutions.ie
What is coaching?
Whether it's part of a whole new hunt for direction and meaning in our lives or simply a way of dealing with the pressures of 21st Century living, coaching is increasingly being embraced by those wanting to explore their potential and gain greater satisfaction from life and work, This has spawned a new, highly motivating, fun and exciting industry that is both real and results orientated.
Coaching is about making time for you. Imagine a relationship where the total focus in on you, on what you want in life and what will help you achieve it. There is no other relationship that offers this level of support and encouragement. A coach is someone you can bounce idea's off, brainstorm with and jump start your energy with.
Who hires a coach?
Corporations; to coach organizations, teams, leaders and executives.
Individuals; for coaching related to areas such as performance, skills, work / life balance, transitions and careers.
Business Owners; for coaching on how to build their business, manage their workforce or increase their businesses effeciency
Entrepreneurs: For coaching on how to get their idea's up and running
What is the difference between coaching and consulting?
Coaching taps into the existing wealth of knowledge and potential already existing in companies, teams and individuals allowing for growth from within. Coaching is the transfering of knowledge into action with the client determining the agenda and the process fully centering on their needs.
Coaching is very different to consulting which provides only temporary or intermittent solutions. The consultant is expected to have the right answer and to pass on the benefits of their experience in a specific area of learning. Coaching on the other hand is a consistent, on-going relationship where the coach works with the client to help implement new skills, adopt new behaviours, enable changes and reach goals. Consulting often involves dispensing advice; telling people what they should do. Coaching on the other hand focuses on assisting you to discover a solution on your own. Thus the results last long after the coaching relationship ends.
Coaching is not therapy. Where as therapy brings understanding and awareness of the past, coaching focuses on present realities and future strategies to create working solutions. Coaching is movement orientated and action based. It is important to understand how past events and circumstances have influenced the current situation. But why continue to beat yourself up on what is gone and cannot be changed?
What does the coach work on?
The short answer is YOU, the client. Coaching inevitably works with all aspects of personal, business and professional goals. Personal issues always impact on business performance and business issues always impact on personal performance so no matter what the coach has been hired to work on it will result in you becomming better at what you do!
What does the coach focus on?
Coaches focus on where you decide the the greatest need is. Part of the discussions often include:
Where are you now in relation to where you want to be?
What are your goals? Are they based on your values?
In order to get what you want from any situation, what are the areas of strength and what are the areas for improvement and focus?
Why does coaching work?
How long does it take?
The commitment will vary, dependant upon your desired outcomes and the pace at which you want to reach your goal. It can vary from a single session to sessions lasting 1 to 3 months to achieve the desired level of personal performance.