Work-life coaching is a series of private conversations between a coach and yourself about how you can reach your potential. By developing confidence and self-reliance and reducing barriers that previously hindered you, you can achieve a more fulfilling, happy and healthy life.
Some people come to coaching and know what they want to achieve, but aren't sure how to go about it. That's fine. I support them to set themselves achievable goals and break down the steps they need to take to reach them.
Others really aren't sure what they want, they just know that what's going on for them in their life just now isn't working. I support them to reevaluate their life and establish their priorities and goals, then we can work on how they can achieve them.
If you're thinking about work-life coaching for stress reduction, confidence building or to work on your own goals, you may be wondering what method is best for you. Read below to help you decide.
HOW DO YOU WANT TO BE COACHED?
I want to see my coach in person:
Great! If you like direct contact, then this has the advantage that we can both see one another. It helps us see non-verbal cues such as body language, to listen to tone of voice, look at eye contact, for example. You can arrange an appointment to see me in person between 9:30am and 1:30pm every weekday at my office in Glasgow.
I can't get to your office, but I do want to see who I'm talking to:
Video (via Skype/Facetime/WhatsApp/Messenger) is the best medium for us to work together. The advantages are:
- manage your time with a specific appointment
- we see one another, in real-time
- spontaneous responses
- communications are secured through Skype.
Bear in mind though:
- less chance for reflection
- there can be distortion or delayed images
- need to have Skype installed and be confident to use it
- requires a high-speed broadband connection
- security can't be guaranteed.
I feel more comfortable with instant messaging:
Messaging on Skype will be our best choice for collaborating together. The advantages are:
- our work together happens in real-time
- manage your time with a specific appointment
- secure messaging via Skype.
However, also remember these disadvantages:
- less chance for reflection
- missing non-verbal cues
- conversation may be slower than face-to-face or video-conferencing
- need to have Skype installed and be confident to use it
- technical factors can cause interruptions
- security can't be guaranteed.
I need flexibility in my coaching schedule:
That's fine, we can work together via email. The advantages of this method are:
- time for reflection
- relaxed due to disinhibition
- can store, re-read and re-visit content as required
- secure email transmission and storage on my email servers
- advice offered on securing your own emails.
That said, there are downsides:
- missing non-verbal cues
- less spontaneous communication
- the potential for your email to be read on your machine
- security can't be guaranteed.
Still not sure? Just contact me to discuss the best medium for your coaching sessions. I'm happy to talk through any questions you have.
