Does a coach have to be certified or have special training?
Certification is not required to hang out the shingle but I believe there is much to be said for coaching certification programs. Specific training and education in coaching, organizational development, and business psychology helps a lot. At the end of the day, you will choose your coach based upon experience and what results she has achieved for others. Check references carefully. Your decision will also be based upon two musts: trust and chemistry.

How much time will it take?
Because this work is about intangibles, learning new behaviors and skills, it takes what it takes. Having said that, the initial contract should not be open ended. Also, coach and person being coached should agree on how they will know when it’s done. A productive coach/client relationship should be able to achieve observable results in a mutually agreed upon timeframe. Frequent debriefs and evaluations are key.

What will it cost?
Coaching fees vary greatly, depending upon the size of the company, the level of executive being coached, geographic areas, what the market will bear, the reputation and skill of the coach and other factors. I custom-tailor a fee solution for each client to make it simple to understand, affordable and fair. Fees are very competitive. I offer packaged, flat fee arrangements that are inclusive of services, as well as per project fees based on duration of assignment and volume of work. Discounted rates for non-profits with budgets of less than $1 million are available.

Please feel free to e-mail any questions directly to Janice Kinder at Janice@workplacescanwork.com