Strengths Coaching FAQs

Is this coaching restricted to identifying my strengths?

No. It simply means that we will work from a strengths perspective and that knowing and living from your strengths will be central to the process. Your primary or driving purpose may be to gain support and guidance with regard to your personal life, relationships or professional/work life. You may be on a personal development and/or spiritual journey, struggling with your personal identity or exploring who you are and want to be, making important life decisions, or walking through a transition and figuring out what to do next. Your desire for support may be general or specific to certain issues, people or situations. Or you may just want to grow in all these areas and develop a strengths-focused way of seeing the world.

Aren't personal and professional interdependent? 

Of course! I only make the distinction here to help you define the focus of your needs/desires and our relationship. We will always think and talk about your life as an integrated whole. 

What does coaching with you look like?

One of the beauties of SIF "coaching" or support is that you are always in charge. With my help, you will determine the balance of structure vs organic process that works for you. You may: set ambitious goals or rely on teachable moments, set a clear agenda for each session or deal with what is current for you, ask me for "assignments" or create your own. Before we begin, I will send you some materials to help you name what you want and identify what style will work best for you. I will listen, reflect, guide, suggest resources or ways to practice new skills, whatever it takes to help you move toward your goals. In most cases, we will conduct our sessions over the phone, with email communication between sessions.

I am part of a group that would like to work with you together. Is that possible?

Certainly. Your "group" may be 1) a formal staff that works together; or 2) a group of colleagues seeking professional support together. Think of this as the conference phone version of having me come to work with your group in person. This group process can take the form of free-form discussions, mini-trainings, problem-solving, case studies, and many other ways of helping your group reach its goals. It can be highly structured or more process oriented. Once we have established the basic framework and objectives for our time together, we will set dates/times for our meetings. If your staff/group meets in a single geographic location, you will need access to a room with a conference phone speaker. If your staff/group members are not in the same location, each member can log onto a conference call from their own phone. This can happen through your conferencing systems or via freeconference.com.   

What kind of commitment do I have to make up front?

Again, this is up to you. There is no one-size-fits-all. You may contract for three months (the most economical) which includes three one-hour sessions/month plus brief calls and email in between sessions. Or we have created a unique option for payment that allows you to work at your own pace, without having to "use it or lose it" each month. Consequently, you may set a firm schedule of weekly sessions, take the time you need to integrate or practice what we have talked about or schedule sessions when you hit roadblocks or want to ground some new learning. Alternatively, you may wish to negotiate a more traditional contract with me. The bottom line is that we identify what will work best for you.

What does it cost?

There are two options for differing needs. The most economical per session cost comes with the 3-month contract. If you want to simply purchase blocks of time you can use when and how you wish, you may purchase 30 and 60 minute blocks. The more you purchase, the more you save. With time blocks, the time you have purchased never expires and is always available to you. (To view current coaching fees or complete payment, just click on the blue heading.) 

3-month Coaching Contract
Includes 3 one hour sessions/month, plus brief calls and emails between sessions.

30 minute time blocks
Minute for minute, this is the most expensive option, but provides great flexibility for those who prefer brief sessions. 

60 minute time blocks
Save up to $20 per session.

Email Coaching Exchange
You may complete payment for a single email exchanges here or call Chris and negotiate a longer-term email relationship.

Due to the complexity of record-keeping, time blocks cannot be subdivided. If you wish to extend a session but do not want to use your next full block of time, additional minutes can be purchased at $15/10 minute block.

What if I just want to have a single email exchange with you to get some guidance regarding a specific situation? 

Chris now offers one-time coaching sessions via email ($40) or phone ($100). Just email or call Chris at 207 767-2024 to connect ASAP.

I would like to talk to you before deciding. Do I need to purchase time for that?

Of course not! I would be glad to spend a few minutes with you on the phone to chat about your needs and identify what your best plan of action might be. Just use the contact form and we'll find a good time.