This is a compilation of all of our frequently asked questions.If you have any questions you would like answered please email them to us or use the search engine on the home page.

What backgrounds do coaches have?

Coaches are as varied and different as the stars in the sky. Backgrounds differ and careers vary, however, many coaches come from the people industry sector, such as education, training, consulting, counselling or personnel. The primary factor in becoming a coach is a positive mental attitude and a burning desire to see individuals improve their quality of life and live life to the full.


What is Life Coaching?

Life Coaching is not a new concept. It has been around as long as man. The profession of Life Coaching however, has been in existence since the early 80?s. Made popular in the United States by People such as Zig Ziglar, Thomas J Leonard and Latterly Anthony Robbins. The philosophy of Life coaching is focussing on where the individual is now and where they would like to be tomorrow. Qualities such as the increased awareness of our values, the establishment of boundaries, building integrity, respect, and an increased level of accountability. The underlying principle of Life Coaching is the application of strategies and empowerment in decision-making. My Mission statement expresses this principle ?To bring a message of Hope to a people of destiny?. As a client, you will experience a strong goal focussed partnership that brings results. Coaching today is a professional industry with a strong future ahead of it. Many corporate clients are realising the benefits that a personal coach can bring to their management structure, resulting in less down time through absences that would normally be attributed to personally related issues.


Does Coaching work?

The results and referrals speak for themselves. (see testimonials). Coaching combines a high level of personal contact and positive affirmation. The coach relies on exceptional communication skills, and strong relational abilities. Coaching is all about YOU! Clients achieve their goals by drawing on a multitude of techniques, resources and life experiences. Coaching can be one-on-one, either face-to-face or on the telephone. Usually the client chooses an agreed period of time and where coaching will take place, and this can vary but most coaches prefer a three to six month period. However, the aim is to meet the client's specific needs. The results in Coaching are usually down to the two-way commitment between client and coach. The greater the desire for success, the greater the results.


What would a coaching contract be like?

At Coaching 4 Life, we work from our own coaching model. This model uses a balanced approach that supports our clients through Discovery, Decision, Development and Delight. Recognising that each client has differing needs, this is not a ?one size fits all? approach, but rather approaching the client?s needs from a holistic approach. Unless the contract type specifies, the standard client contract makes provision for a one-to-one with an individual client for a period of three months, for one hour per week in person or on the telephone. A free trial session is usually the first step, where client and coach can get to know one another?s expectations. At this pre-booked session, the process of coaching is outlined and a presentation pack given. During the first contracted consultation, the Coaching 4 Life Coach uses a time proven process to enable the client to Discover the quality of life desired and the depth of commitment to change. To make Decisions on strategies for taking back initiative in their life, Develop objectivity and resourcefulness, and Delight in the successes. Each client sets their own goals for their life. Ongoing sessions then provide all the structures, and support necessary to bring results, by bringing a challenging yet fulfilling partnership. Coaching is a relationship that brings clarity to life through the use of empowering questions and encouragement. This process will cause you the client to take positive steps in moving forwards in your goals. At each client session, the client will commit to taking actions steps for the next seven days. During the following week, (dependant on package choice) the coach is usually contacted personally for support in achieving these self-established goals. During the next scheduled session, the coach will discuss any obstacles faced and any strategies gained as a result of them. This helps each client to set new power actions and develop new life patterns to achieve effective results.


Do I need coaching, and why does it work?

It is a common observation in life that most people function best where accountability processes are in place. There is a principle used in many leadership structures called the ?Parato Principle?. This principle recognises that 80% of production is achieved by 20% of the producers. It is my experience that this principle is applied to people not robots. Imagine what it would be like to be one of the 20% crowd. Coaching works because the coaching role is to provide the skills to produce. Other reasons include follow through. I love the quote ?don?t grow a wishbone, where a backbone ought to be?. Visionaries are great at seeing a big picture. But a dream without a deadline is not a goal. Goals are measurable and achieved within a specific time frame. The role of the coach is to keep you focussed and accountable to your strategy, to improve your quality of life. You will be assured of honest and open feedback. Coaching will work for you, because your coach is working with you.


As your coach I will be?

Your personal trainer, cheer-leader, motivator, sounding board, strategist, mentor, critique, life stretcher, vision expander, confident, performance enhancer and support network.


What could I be coached on?

The story is told of the man who was lost in the middle of Dublin. Becoming anxious he spoke to Patrick outside the local pub. ?Excuse me sir, I am lost! Could you direct me to O?Connell Street? Patrick thought a while, and replied! ?Well If I was you I wouldn?t start from here?. When you are lost, there is only one place you can start from! Where you are at. The unique Coaching 4 Life method we offer, is designed to start where you are. Every ones journey is different, and we are all at one place or another on our journey. There is no right place to start in coaching; there is only where you are at. Most people hire coaches to see improvements in their finances, re-align career paths, assist in a change in direction, preparation for retirement, career transition, improve communication skills, overcome relational challenges, overcome dependencies, train as a coach and improve their quality of life.


Is coaching like counselling?

No! Coaching is not therapy, or counselling. Coaching is all about the now. Counselling often deals with how you came to be who you are, where as coaching focuses on where to from here. Coaching will focus on designing the quality of life you prefer to have, setting the goals to achieve your objectives and developing the support mechanisms essential to your success as quickly and easily as possible. There are some similarities between coaching and counselling. Often the process is one-to-one, and sessions are scheduled to achieve a given outcome. The skills are similar, as both use advanced skills in questioning, listening and a high degree of communication skills.


Where to now?

With so many services it can be confusing to choose the most appropriate one. Here are some simple questions you may need to answer before making your choice. I prefer the personal attention I get from interaction. What service best suits my needs? Personal contact Tele-coach MSN I like to be unrestricted in my daily schedule, can you meet my preference? Text coach E-mail coach Casual contract I am not sure I want to make a commitment to coaching, how do you resolve this issue? Casual contract Free trial session Cyber coaching Special Offers as they are available. I am going through so many changes at the moment I struggle with making decisions, can you help? Crisis coach Trial session Tele-coach I am interested in showing my appreciation for my team of staff. I want to invest in them personally, can you help? Small group Corporate Public speaking Tele-coaching I really need someone to help me balance my life. What do you suggest? Spiritual advisor coach Vision and specific focus coaching Balance coaching I live in a remote area how can I get personal attention when I am so far away? Over ninety percent of coaching is done by tele-communications. Internet, MSN, Phone, Text, Email etc. My clients are scattered all over the world. Personal contact coaching is a small percentage of any client base. Coaching is a relationship that relies on targetted or laser sharp questions that put you in control of the outcome. All you need is a means of communication, the style of coaching is your personal preference. Start with what suits and be prepared to review other alternatives..


How can I pay for coaching services?

Globally - If you live outside of New Zealand, you can make payments by bank draft in NZ dollars. PAYPAL allows you to send money to our account direct or purchase a service via Mastercard, or Visacard. Onsite we accept Mastercard and Visa through secure transfer. Within New Zealand - Personal cheque, by mail or registered post. Inter Bank Transfer, Paypal or Onsite using Mastercard or Visa. Within Auckland - All the above or cash by personal appointment. Eftpos will be available shortly for visitors to our premises only.


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