Q. Isn’t coaching just for people who are performing badly? 

A. The short answer to this is no! The greatest sportspeople in the world use coaches to make sure they play at their best. Harry Kane doesn’t need to be shown how to kick a ball – Serena Williams doesn’t need to be shown how to volley – but their coaches help them bring their best to each game. At Client Talk, we believe that professionals should be doing the same!

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Q. Does it help if the coach knows my business? 

A. Whilst coaches don’t have to have a deep knowledge of the challenges facing the coachee to help the coachee reach their potential, we believe that in certain circumstances it helps. All our coaches have experience working in professional services firms or with professionals from professional services firms. This means that at Client Talk we understand your challenges. We can, where helpful and with permission from the coachee, bring into the coaching session experiences that others have found useful.

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Q. How do I know if my coach is qualified? 

A. At Client Talk we believe that it is important that you know that your coach has training and accreditation.  As such all our coaches are accredited with one of the major coaching bodies. This means that they adhere to a code of ethics, have continuous professional development and regular supervision. 

This gives you peace of mind that you are working with the best!

Whilst coaching has grown in popularity, there is no requirement that coaches be trained in coaching before they offer themselves up as a coach. There are numerous one day courses that are offered to enable people to acquire the basic skills needed. Sadly coaches do not need to be regulated or accredited.

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Q. What if I don’t like my coach? 

A. Chemistry is important. Before each coaching session with Client Talk, the professional is invited to attend a chemistry session free of charge. If it is felt that the coach isn’t the right fit an alternative can be offered.

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Q. What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?

A. Coaching is often confused with mentoring. Mentoring is where someone with experience in a particular field helps someone by giving guidance and direction. Coaching is about supporting an individual to find their own answers. A coach doesn't have to be someone with experience in the field of the coachee. Coaches come with a set of skills and approaches that are intended to help the coachee optimise their performance.

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Q. What is virtual coaching?

A. Virtual coaching is simply face-to-face coaching that is conducted in a virtual setting. That could be over the phone or via video conferencing. Virtual coaching can provide useful where the coach and coachee are in different locations - opening up the choice of whom the coachee can choose to coach them. They have been found to provide all the benefits of face-to-face coaching and can often be offered at a reduced cost because of the travel time saved.

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Q. How can coaches help manage change?

A. Coaches are trained to manage change. Their job is to help individuals or teams maximise their performance and affect the changes needed to achieve that. Coaches are often trained in behavioural change; they often have a deep understanding of psychology. Coaches work either on a systemic or individual level to manage change.

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Q. What is a coaching culture?

A. There is no one definition of coaching culture. On the one hand, it could be interpreted as an organisation that understands the importance of coaching and which uses coaches to enhance the performance of its employees. On the other hand, coaching culture can be interpreted as an organisational culture that embraces some of the key skills of coaching. Listening. Empathy. Curiosity. An organisation with a coaching culture is likely to be non-directive and have a high degree of psychological safety. Its leaders are likely to adopt a coaching style.

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