How does Coaching work?

• Following a FREE, introductory, 30 minute telephone consultation, you will receive a welcome package that contains a client profile, assessment and questionnaire that will help define your goals and structure our initial work together. Several of the documents require completion and return to Dark Horse Strategies prior to the first coaching session.
   
• In-person consultations are pre-scheduled and are charged extra.
   
• Your coach will then schedule with you two, three or four telephone coaching sessions per month —typically 30-60 minutes in length. You will call your coach at scheduled appointment times. You will also be able to contact your coach for “extra support” between sessions via email, fax and short phone calls, at no additional charge. There will almost always be “field assignments or homework” to help you continue the learning process between sessions.
   
• The coaching process at Dark Horse Strategies, is typically 6 months minimum, depending on your goals and determination to work hard. There are times, however, when clients find the coaching process so beneficial that they extend the partnership for a longer period of time.

• The first three months’ fees are due following the initial consultation and prior to the first scheduled coaching session.
   
• The process generally involves the following steps or stages:

Identifying Your Goals: With your coach you will begin to examine what you would like to achieve in the coaching relationship. Perhaps you want to prepare for the next promotion, or be better equipped to deal with difficult employees. Maybe you need to improve your communication skills but don’t know how to do it. Or possibly you want to feel really excited about your work again. Whatever the case, your coach will help you discover exactly what you’re looking for, and then uncover the hurdles that may be preventing you from reaching your goals.

Assessing You: Using personality and behavioral assessment tools, your coach will help you better understand the true motivations behind your actions. This new found awareness will allow you to use your strengths – and deflect your weaknesses - to your advantage.

Additional Perspectives: Objective views from other people are often helpful in assessing your situation. Your coach only knows what you tell them, but your colleagues work with you every day. If appropriate, and with your permission, interviews with others may be scheduled to allow your coach to gain opinions about your performance and perspectives on your potential. This information is kept strictly confidential.

Designing Your Action Plan: Once you and your coach have a firm understanding of your interests, values and goals, together you will design an Action Plan that will allow you to clearly visualize the path to achievement. An “action” can be a new way of thinking, a different approach to a problem or situation, or any task that moves you closer toward achieving your goal. Action is any shift in perspective or behaviour.

Implementation: With your coach’s guidance and support you will focus on small accomplishments that will lead to the larger, more specific goal(s). This strategy eliminates the overwhelming pressure you may feel about accomplishing something that may take much time and effort. Your coach will set realistic tasks and timelines that fit the way you work and live. Remember, implementation is key!

Progress Monitoring: The most important job of your coach is to continually monitor your progress and hold you accountable for your actions. Together we will track your successes and frustrations together and make any necessary adjustments. Your coach will provide the encouragement, support, and constructive criticism that will motivate you toward achieving your goal.

Celebration: When you have accomplished what we set out to do we will pause to acknowledge and celebrate your “wins”. Then your coach will put in place the tools you need to continue with your actions and help you determine your next goals.

• Monthly fees may be paid by personal, company or certified cheque. Cash not accepted. Dark Horse Strategies will soon be accepting major credit cards. Look for this exciting and easy solution to be available soon.