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FAQ
Frequently asked questions

What is career coaching? What does a career coach do? Find out the answers to these and other frequently asked questions about career coaches.

Are the coaching meetings one-to-one?

Yes, it is always one-to-one and most frequently face-to-face.

Can career coaching help anyone at any age?

Yes it can and is successfully offered in many different settings. General career coaching is for teenagers onwards. However, our company specialises in helping people in their mid-20’s, 30s, 40s and 50s onwards.

Can I have a one off coaching supervision session with you?

This is not what usually happens. We like to build on-going relationships with those we supervisor. For example, we usually set up 4 meetings over a period of 12 months. Once a quarter the coach engages in a 90-minute session.

Can you help me change jobs?

Yes, but indirectly. We’ll support you all the way in deciding on the best move and preparing you for success. But it’s down to you to find a new role.

Can you provide your services – coaching and training – virtually?

Yes, we frequently work with clients on our courses and train coaches at distance. Most of our day courses are run virtually.

Do you coach at any level in an organisation?

We do work with younger people who have been promoted into new leadership roles and where the company wants to invest in their development. More frequently, we are engaged to work with senior, existing leaders who are at managerial, director or board level.

Do you coach both men and women?

Yes, we coach everyone.

Do you coach graduates or those just starting out on their careers?

We usually work with people in their late 20’s onwards. Those that have had some work life and experience.

Do you coach in start-up companies?

Yes, and with SMEs

Do you coach individuals within the team as well as the team as a group?

Yes, we often do.

Do you coach internationally?

We do and depending upon the location and circumstances, this is often a combination of face-face coaching and regular virtual coaching. You would need to contact us to discuss your coaching needs, context, and location.

Do you coach leaders in any sector?

Yes we do.

Do you coach on evenings and weekends?

We work with international time differences. We do coach during early morning and evenings if it’s required, but not usually at weekends.

Do you do phone or Zoom supervision?

Yes, we do one-hour Supervision Zoom meetings.

Do you help with CV and interview skills sessions?

Yes, but not independent one off meetings. We coach these skills as part of wider coaching transition session package.

Do you offer coaching supervision after I have been trained on Narrative Coaching Course?

Yes, we offer this to everyone who attends this course, in support of their on-going learning and practice. Email or call for further information and fees.

Do you offer one-to-one coaching to the Chair of the Board?

Yes, we offer specific coaching for this key leadership role, distinct from board coaching in general.

Do you offer virtual coaching packages?

Yes, if that’s what you need. We work internationally.

Do you only coach in English?

Yes, we do.

Do you only coach people from one industry?

We coach talented individuals in any and every industry.

Do you use coaching profiling systems?

We don’t tend to use profiling tools. Our own Transformational Coaching approach uses the power of story on an individual, team and organisational level. We are highly skilled at understanding and working strategically with you whatever your role or context.

Does the advanced Narrative Coaching Training Course offer certification?

On request, we provide a Listening Partnership CPD certificate on successful completion of the course. We also offer coaching certification through the Listening Partnership. You would need to be in regular coaching supervision with us and have several clients you are working with using our narrative approach. Contact us for more information about this process.

Does the company pay for executive coaching?

Yes, usually the organisation funds the executive coaching, whist individuals wanting career coaching, will pay for the service independently.

Does the entire board need to be coached individually?

Not necessarily, although we usually build in time to spend with each board member before moving on to work with the whole board.

How can I find out training course dates?

Please email us directly for further information.

How do I book a coaching supervision session with you?

Call or email to discuss it and to book a session.

How do I choose a career coach?

You want someone you get on with, connect with and build a trusting, positive relationship with. You can take our expertise for granted, so the best way to choose is to contact us for an exploratory discussion, no strings attached.

How does executive coaching differ from career coaching?

Executive coaching is about the person in their context plus the business strategy and the leadership elements of their current role. Career coaching is has more to do with how the individual develops their career path, independent of their current role.

How is coaching for women different from your general executive coaching?

It is similar, in that our coaches are experienced leadership coaches first and foremost. We are adept at dealing with the issues you, as a professional women want to explore. It would however include both your business challenges and opportunities, as well as the gender-specific issues that you want to raise.

How long are the coaching sessions?

The meetings do vary. Generally, they range from one hour, to 90 minutes or two hours in length.

How long are the training courses?

Our courses vary in length. It is best to check out the programme you are interested in on our website or email us for more information.

How long do you usually work with a board?

It depends on the nature of the board and the issues you’re facing. We agree timescales up front, so it varies according to each organisation.

How long is the training course?

This depends upon whether you attend the Flying Solo or the Group Narrative Course. Contact us for more details.

How many coaching sessions will I need?

We usually set up 5 or 6 sessions depending upon your situation.

How much does coaching cost?

It depends upon the number of sessions and what you need from us. Give us a call or send us an email and we can discuss it with you.

How much does coaching supervision cost?

This will depend upon the number and length of the sessions. Email or call to discuss the fees.

I am at a crossroads in my career, will this coaching work for me?

Yes, we are skilled at coaching individuals who are at a transitional point in their lives. They maybe changing tack to enjoy a more fulfilling career where they are or elsewhere. We also help people in the third phase of their working life – those drawing to the end of a successful career who want to find rewarding, meaningful roles that utilise their skills in new contexts.

Is supervision mandatory with you once I have completed the Narrative Coaching Course?

No, it is not. It is an option that you may like to take up to support your ongoing coaching practice and learning.

Is the coaching confidential?

All the coaching conversations we have are confidential.

Is the coaching supervision one-to-one or group?

It is one-one or in groups – as needed.

Is there an interview involved before someone is given a training course place?

For the Advanced Narrative Coaching Training there is a 45-minute pre-course meeting. For our one-day courses there is no need for a pre-interview session. It is best to contact us for more information, so that you understand what is needed to join the particular course you are interested in attending.

Is there preparation to do before the training courses?

This does depend upon the particular course, so contact us for more information about what is needed at the preparation stage.

What do you mean by ‘leaders’ when you talk about coaching?

We mean anyone who is leading teams, has responsibility for others and is held accountable for commercial/business decisions.

What does career coaching do?

It will helps you see the wood for the trees, guiding you expertly to make the right career decisions for your stage in life, lifestyle, skills, personality type and ambitions. It maybe that you want to make the most of what you are already doing career wise or you want to think through some different options. Either way, we are skilled at working with to you to come up with a plan ahead.

What experience do you have working at board level?

We have plenty of experience. Our consultants and coaches are used to working at senior levels in a variety of large, not-for profit, for profit and social enterprise settings.

What is the cost of the training course?

Phone or email us for further information.

What is your availability to start coaching?

Get in touch and find out. It depends how busy we are at any one time.

What is your coaching approach?

Our approach is both supportive and challenging. It is systemic, solutions and narrative focused. We ensure that our coaching is entirely relevant and makes you more effective.

What size teams do you coach?

This depends on the situation. If the team has 6 members or under we use one team coach, if team has 6 – 12 members, we call in a second team coach. We do not usually work with teams that are bigger than 12 people.

What sorts of companies have you coached in?

We have worked with teams in every type of company, from start-ups and SMEs not-for-profits and corporates.

Where do most of your UK face-to-face coaching meetings take place?

Most of our coaching meetings take place in London, Oxford or at your place of work. We do work nationally and internationally, and do travel to see people further afield. However, this would be discussed at start of any coaching programme and form part of our up front agreement with the client or company

Where is this training course run?

It is run in central London or Oxford. On request a group ‘in-house’ course can be set up for you company.

Who do I contact to book a place on the training course?

Call us or email us. One of the course trainers will then be in touch with you.

Who is the advanced coaching course for?

This is our advanced course for experienced coaches.

Would I be allocated a coach?

It would be up to you to decide which of our coaches would suit you best.

Would on-going supervision be group or one-to-one after being trained?

We offer both. These are booked in advance by contacting us directly.