What is coaching? Coaching is an interactive process that helps individuals and organizations to develop more rapidly and produce more satisfying results. Coaches work with clients in many areas, including business, career, finances, health, and relationships. As a result of coaching, clients set better goals, take more action, make better decisions, and more fully use their natural strengths. (Please note that coaching does not focus directly on relieving psychological pain or treating cognitive or emotional disorders. How do coaches work? Professional coaches are trained to listen and observe, to customize their approach to the individual client’s needs, and to elicit strategies and solutions from clients. Coaches are also trained to use various tools to help accelerate the process. We believe that our clients are naturally creative and resourceful, and that our job is to provide support to enhance their skills, resources, and creativity. While coaches provide feedback and an objective perspective, our clients are responsible for taking the steps necessary to produce the results they desire. What kinds of tools does a coach use? Why not just talk to a friend? Coaches are trained to listen on a different level than is typical in a conversation with a friend or colleague. We are trained to listen beneath the words. We use tools and techniques designed to move you ahead purposefully. We ask powerful questions. We use exercises that help generate new, dynamic thoughts. And we will give you materials to read, homework to do, and assignments to complete. Who hires a coach? People who really want to live their best life hire coaches—people who realize that this is not a dress rehearsal, and want to make the most of their life and career. The person who hires a coach is often already successful, but wants more. Coaching can help you find more success, joy, love, passion, money—and sometimes less stress, work, distractions, obstacles, and self-sabotage