Coaching Methodologies

Our method of coaching is tailored to the needs of our clients.  We have two primary categories of coaching (Private and Group) with several options available for Private Coaching .

Private Coaching

Our private coaching clients (owners that choose a one-to-one format) may select from 2 options:

1. Face-to-Face Coaching.   An option for owners located within the Greater Toronto Area.  This is the method we usually recommend for owners whose dominant learing style is visual, especially in the beginning when we are both learning about our respective optimal communication styles.  Most Face-to-Face clients prefer to meet in our office as they are better able to focus (and are freer from potential interruptions) when are away from the distractions of their normal surroundings. On the other hand, if you have sufficient private meeting space, or if you need us to observe or interact with your staff or customers, we can travel to your location.  Sometimes we will take turns meeting at each other's location. 
2. Telephone Coaching.   A great option for clients located outside the Greater Toronto Area.  Also a great option, as you become experienced with the coaching process, you will find it is more efficient to meet by telephone and exchange materials by e-mail, fax, or courier.  Many clients eventually graduate to telephone coaching.

While coaching sessions are tailored to meet your needs, the most popular schedules include:

1. 1.5 hours per week for three weeks every month.
2. One hour per week for 4 weeks per month.
3. Two hours every other week.  

The typical coaching session covers a review of results achieved since the last session, strategies for dealing with difficulties encountered, new educational material that will help you achieve your objectives, and a specific action plan for the next week.

Coaching is rarely about quick fixes.  It is about helping you, the owner, to develop new techniques, skills and habits, for yourself and your staff, which will enable you to produce repeatable and sustainable results.  As a result, most coaching relationships last a year or more. 
 
Most coaching relationships involve one coach and one owner.  If you have one or more partners, coaching can involve one or more of your partners.  Typically, the same coach works with all the different partners.   There may be separate meetings for individual owners, depending on their responsibilities.  Usually in the beginning the coaching sessions are joint sessions with both partners. 

Before we begin coaching we will complete an Alignment Consultation . This consultation is designed to:

1. Clearly articulate your goals
2. Determine where your business is performing presently
3. Gather the necessary information to create your unique coaching program. 

We will ask you to complete a written questionnaire.  Then we will meet for 2-4 hours to go into further detail based on your answers.  Next, we will meet to discuss the Alignment and prioritize strategies as a prelude to our first coaching session.  This whole Alignment process usually takes 2-4 weeks of elapsed time.

Group Coaching

If you have a very small (less than 5 person) firm with a very limited budget, you may prefer to participate in our Group Coaching Workshop series along with 6-12 other business owners.  For more information click on  Group Coaching Workshop series .