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FAQs about Coaching
What is coaching?
Coaching is an ongoing partnership that helps you clarify your values and goals, then provides you with the support, structure and accountability you need to overcome obstacles on the way to achieving those goals.
What is the difference between coaching and therapy?
Therapy tends to focus on the past. Coaching looks to the present and the future, helping you determine where you are, where you want to go and how best you can get there. Therapy and coaching can be mutually beneficial. Some people have both a therapist and a coach. As with any competent coach, if during your sessions it becomes clear that therapy may be advisable, Focus First will recommend that alternative.
What can I expect from my coaching sessions with Focus First?
Because the "right" answer is different for each person, a coach will rarely tell you what to do. Rather a coach helps you discover your own answers by providing guidance and feedback in a safe environment where you can explore new ideas. As you progress towards you goals, a coach will help you remain focused on your goals despite obstacles.
For an overview of coaching services from Focus First see Coaching and For Consultants Only.
What can I talk about with my coach?
Anything. Your personal life affects your business goals and your business life impacts your family and friends. All areas of your life are interrelated. So unresolved problems in one area can easily block your progress in another.
How does coaching take place?
While coaching is sometimes done in person, phone consultations have become increasingly popular. The first session is usually longer than subsequent sessions to allow the coach and client to get to know each other and establish goals. Ellen Good is qualified to administer a number of highly effective assessment tools, which she may use in your first session. These include Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI™™), SkillScan, and ValueSearch, to name a few.
How long do clients work with a coach?
As long as they find it beneficial. Some clients achieve their goals within a few months, while others find it valuable to work with a coach, perhaps on a less-frequent basis, for several years. Focus First does not require a minimum time commitment.
Who pays for coaching?
Coaching can be paid for by either the client, the client’s employer or, if the client is a business owner, by that business.
What should I look for in a coach?
Choose a coach with whom you feel comfortable. Often coaches — including Focus First — offer free half-hour consultations to help you decide. Also, ask about background, training and specializations, if any. Many coaches focus on a particular area, such as career, life transitions, or relationships. To learn more about Ellen Good and Focus First, click on [About Focus First.]
Where can I get more information about coaching?
For more information about coaching, check out the following Web sites:
o www.coachfederation.org
o www.thecoaches.org
Contact Focus First at info@focusfirst.com.
FAQs about Mediation & Conflict Resolution
What is mediation?
Mediation is a method of conflict resolution that uses the services and skills of an impartial facilitator to help those involved in the dispute find solutions that are agreeable to all sides.
What kinds of issues can be resolved using mediation?
A wide variety of issues can be addressed in mediation. Common workplace issues such as personality conflicts, inter- or intra-departmental turmoil, and rifts between senior managers are appropriate for mediation, as are more compliance-related issues such as sexual harassment, disability discrimination, and age discrimination.
Why is mediation particularly good for resolving workplace conflicts?
People who work together are involved in an ongoing, interdependent relationship, whether they like it or not. They are often highly motivated to resolve their differences, even though they may initially deny this. Mediation helps them clear the air and come up with plans for working together more effectively in the future.
Will a mediator tell us what we should do?
No, it is not the role of the mediator to come up with the solution. The mediator will help the parties explore a variety of options in order to determine what will work best for them.
Will mediation save my company legal fees?
Conflicts that are left unresolved often fester — and grow. By addressing and resolving conflicts earlier in the game, situations are less likely to require the services of an attorney.
How long will it take to resolve a conflict?
It is impossible to say for all cases, but you’ll have as much time as needed — and no more. Many work situations are resolved in a few hours or less.
How much does mediation cost?
Very little, compared to what the situation is currently costing you in terms of lowered productivity, absenteeism, sabotage, and the possibility of litigation. For an estimate of what a specific conflict may be costing your organization see "Measuring the Financial Cost of Organizational Conflict’ at www.mediationworks.com/mti/cost.htm.
How can I find the right mediator for my organization?
Choose a mediator with whom you feel comfortable. Ask about background, training and experience. A good place to start your search is with an association dedicated to maintaining the quality of conflict resolution professionals, such as the New England Chapter of the Association for Conflict Resolution. You can access the chapter’s Web site at www.neacr.org.
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