Frequently Asked Queries

Here are some of the frequently asked queries around coaching and how I can support you. If you still have questions that aren’t answered here, get in touch! 

Q. What does the coaching process actually involve?

A. The coaching process involves a series of powerful conversations between the coach and the coachee. By asking the right questions, providing insight and an objective perspective coaches help people remove their personal limitations in order to reach their true potential.

The coach uses active listening to hear what the client is saying or not saying. Very often clients are talking about something but the real issue is something else! The coach holds the space for the client to explore and talk about whatever the client wants to talk about. When the coach reflects what the client is saying, the client realizes what he/she sounds like to another person.

The client sets the agenda for the conversation and decides the direction he/she wants to go. The coach supports and believes in the client 100%! There is no place for judgement or advice!

Q. Why is coaching so effective?

A. Coaching works in a multitude of ways to achieve the desired result. We take an open minded approach to resolve the root of the whole problem at hand. At the same time, coaching is very focused and goal oriented. Although each conversation is unique, most coaching conversations attempt to answer the following series of questions.

·       What do I really want?

This question is focused on what the client’s goal is. More important question to answer is – why do I want this? What are my basic values? What is really important to me? As a first step, the coach helps the client get more clarity and set ambitious but practically achievable goals. Again, these goals that are set need to be measurable. How do you know you are there? The overall essence here is that it is possible and I believe in YOU!

·       How do I get there?

This is the planning and strategizing stage. What are the obstacles? What is holding me back? The coach works with the client and helps him/her draw up an action plan. The coach becomes the sounding board and helps the client figure out what might be the best course. The coach may share an entirely different perspective; the client may not have even considered before. Also, at every step of the way, if the client wishes so, the coach is also the accountability partner. This means that the coach is given the right to ask – Have you done the tasks set for the last week? When the client is answerable to that question, a lot gets done!

·       How do I maintain the momentum?

Once the client achieves what he wants, the next question is – how do I keep this up? At every small step taken towards your goal, the coach encourages and acknowledges your achievement. This sense of validation, goes a long way in increasing self-confidence and self-esteem. The client begins to make inherent changes in his self-talk – I have done this and I can do this again!

Q. Is coaching therapy or counselling?

A. No. Therapy or counselling looks into the past to resolve issues whereas coaching is focused on the future. If a person is emotionally disturbed or traumatized, then they need to see a psychologist. People with serious mental illnesses need a psychiatrist. They need medical intervention or therapy, not life coaching. In some cases, post therapy, the individual may be ready enough to be coached. This decision is entirely up to all the professionals involved.

Q. Is coaching the same as consulting or mentoring?

A. Coaching is neither consulting not mentoring. The coach will not offer any advice on the path you might take. He/she will help you explore and examine all the options. But the decision is yours to take.

Q. Who is coaching for?

A. Everyone needs a coach! When I started work with my own coach, I didn’t realize how much there was for me to figure out. I am really glad I did! Hiring a coach does not mean something is wrong with you. Of course, you can achieve your goals by yourself. But it is much quicker with a coach alongside.

Q. What are the topics I can be coached about?

A. The various topics I have worked on with my clients include:

·       Searching for one’s life purpose

·       Career change/ quitting a job

·       Work place challenges

·       Work-life balance

·       Starting a new business or taking the business to the next level

·       Challenging automatic beliefs

·       Personal Finance

·       Relationships – spouse/family/friends

·       Improving eating habits

·       Health/ fitness

·       Parenting

·       Dealing with aging parents

·       Practicing Forgiveness/ Mindfulness

·       Expat Challenges

The coach can even help you figure out what really is most important for you to work with. Some topics flow into each other or have a common thread, thus allowing you to resolve several issues at the same time! The possibilities are endless really.

Q. Is there a contractual agreement?

A. Yes. Once we have agreed upon the program details, both you and I will sign a agreement that specifies all the details clearly. All terms and conditions will be mentioned in the agreement.

Q. Is there a minimum commitment?

A. I encourage my clients to sign-up for at least 6 sessions. One needs to give this a reasonable span of time in order to see significant results. However, it is entirely up to you to decide how many sessions you want to have. I offer single one time sessions too.

Q. How do your coaching sessions work?

A. We initially do the first free session and get to know each other. This session gives you the opportunity to understand what coaching can do for you. For me, it clarifies what your coaching needs may be. Immediately after the session, we could finalize the details of the coaching package you want to pick. Thereafter, once the agreement is signed and payment is made, we can start right away.

Q. How often do we meet?

A. Usually, I meet my clients once in a week. However, if your schedule does not permit weekly sessions, we will customize sessions as per your calendar.

Q. Can I connect with you between sessions?

A. Yes. We can connect via email or a quick call to share something that cannot wait until the next session. There is no extra charge for this service.

Q. What about missed sessions?

A. If a scheduled session is missed without prior notice or it is a “no-show”, the session will be fully charged for. However, if the client cancels a session 24 hours or more in advance, there is no deduction. We will then simply reschedule the session. Please remember that frequent cancellations disturb the flow of the process. Therefore, my request would be that as far as possible, try not to cancel/reschedule sessions.

Q. What if I travel a lot?

A. It does not matter which part of the world you are at. Since almost all calls are done via Skype, it is very easy to connect. Prior intimation by both parties about travel plans really helps schedule the session at a mutually convenient time.

Q. What are your coaching hours?

A. Currently, I reside in Mumbai, India and am available to coach from 8.30am IST(India Standard Time – GMT +5.5hours) to 9.30pm IST.

Q. What are your payment terms?

A. All payment must be made prior to the first session, except of course for the free first session!