Ask & Answer.

Coaching is the process of getting healthy adults from where they are to where they truly want to be.

Coaching is an appropriate choice for healthy adults with a strong desire to create a key change in their life. At Inner Capital, clients have already experienced success in their education, career and personal lives. They have established track records, resources and networks. They choose coaching because they sense a turning point is approaching, a critical juncture that will greatly enhance their Life if handled well. Clients understand that an experienced coach can make the difference between muddling through and emerging from the transition with a victory, a growth spurt—a sense of renewal and purpose.

Coaching works by creating a safe environment in which the client can develop a clear and candid picture of where they are in their Life right now; a vivid image of where they want to be instead and why; and a road map of the resources, choices and conversations that will be required to get from here to there.

This kind of self-awareness and clarity about their true goals often creates the motivation to move through the steps necessary to achieve them. It can also illuminate resistance and fear, demonstrating for the client why certain key choices or actions are not happening and how to shift from resistance to results.

That varies depending on the maturity of the client and the difficulty of the goal. At Inner Capital, clients are working on key transitions that are critical to their ongoing success and commit to a minimum of ten sessions over the course of a year. The focus is not on speed, but on creating a sustainable outcome. When clients reach their tipping point, things can move quite quickly.

Successful executives can expect to re-invest 3-5% of their annual gross incomes into personal development, skills training, and coaching. This is required everywhere, in every profession, to stay at the top of your game. Inner Capital offers a variety of coaching plans; roughly half are paid for by the corporation or organization that employs the leader, and half are paid for by the individual. Executives in transition also request these services as part of their severance package.

The most predictive elements of a successful coaching relationship have proven to be: does the client have respect for the coach and a willingness to take direction and complete assignments? And, does the coach like the client and have a genuine desire to see them achieve their stated goal?

Their has to be a ‘fit’, and this can only be determined by an in-person meeting where both client and coach can ask questions and learn about the potential relationship. Clients are encouraged to interview several coaches and ask trusted colleagues for a referral. Be honest about your needs and goals, timing and budget. It’s an important commitment and the results can be meaningful—take the time to get it right. Then, relax and let it work!

Healthy adults can benefit from coaching during significant periods of opportunity and transition.
Therefore, here are two instances when coaching is not recommended:

• Adults that are experiencing mental or physical health challenges rarely have the energy necessary to commit to a coaching relationship. First, address these issues with a qualified medical professional. Don’t begin coaching if you are struggling with alcohol or prescription/illegal drug abuse; problem gambling, depression, bi-polar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia/anorexia, ADD /ADHD, sleeping disorders, or a serious medical condition.
• Productive adults routinely handle challenges in their personal and professional lives. If the size or significance of the challenge you are seeking coaching for is not of the caliber that you feel it justifies the time or financial commitment required by your coach… then, you are probably right! Coaching is best used sparingly, and to great effect. Handle the routine stuff on your own, talk with a friend, or pick up a self-help book.

Coaching is a process that teaches healthy adults how to get from where they are now to where they want to be.

Counseling helps individuals to cope with and resolve issues in their past that are affecting their behavior and choices in the present.

Consulting is the method by which experts in a process or skill apply their knowledge to your business issue and come up with the right answer.

No. Therapy should only be conducted by a qualified mental health professional, certified in the specialty that is relevant to your challenge. Ask for a referral from your physician or insurance company.

Ready to begin? Contact Inner Capital to schedule your introductory session now.