Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the difference between coaching and mentoring?

Coaching and mentoring have many similarities but also differences. Both essentially offer a confidential, supportive relationship to help facilitate the development of the person being coached/mentored. With coaching, the coach is more likely to be independent of the individual and their organisation and may well have no direct experience of the industry concerned. Their expertise is often in developing people and facilitating their own thinking rather than showing them the way or providing advice. Mentoring by contrast is often provided by someone experienced in a particular field to those who are following a similar trajectory and who wish to benefit from the mentor's own direct business and/or professional experience.

How effective is executive coaching?

The effectiveness of executive coaching has been the subject of a number of studies. In particular the meta-analyses carried out by De Haan and Page in 2014* found positive impacts on performance and skills, wellbeing, coping, work attitudes and goal-directed self-regulation. It was also found to have a greater impact on performance compared with other popular workplace development tools. 

What is also clear from organisations' experience on the ground is that it is extremely important to be clear at the start about the expectations and objectives of any coaching programme, which should be aligned with the organisation's own strategic objectives. This will not only help focus the coaching itself but also facilitate the measurements of both return on investment and return on expectations so the effectiveness of any individual programme can be demonstrated. 

What can I expect from the sessions?

The sessions are time limited and structured to maintain focus and goals for both the overall work and each session are generally agreed at the start of each session. This may well also involve the individual committing to following through on agreed action plans between sessions. Where coaching is being sponsored by the organisation rather than funded by the individual themselves, there may be a requirement for the coach to report on progress to the organisational sponsor (e.g. the HR Director). These and other details are agreed with both the individual and the organisational sponsor before the coaching commences.  

Is mindulness suitable for everyone?

Mindfulness is a simple yet powerful tool to help both manage negative states such as anxiety and help build positive ones such as focus, concentration and self-awareness. Like most interventions however it is not always suitable for everyone and so as part of the exploratory discussion I ask organisations to let me know if any intended participant has a history of mental health difficulties. If this is something of concern to you, do get in touch for an initial discussion and further details. 

Do you offer chemistry meetings?

For organisational work, yes. The fit between coach, coachee and organisation is really important and so I am happy to come to your offices for an initial exploratory discussion and test the chemistry. For individuals, I offer a 30 minute exploratory consultation by telephone to assess what might be the right approach. There is no charge for these consultations.

Where do sessions take place?

Organisational work generally takes place at the organisation's premises, although executive coaching sessions can also be arranged online, through e.g. Teams or VSee. Individual coaching venues are flexible and can take place at my office in either Maidstone or central Brighton, at another mutually convenient location, online or by telephone.