Part of my process requires the client to do some work before we get started with the coaching. To get things going, I require my clients to fill out a brief questionnaire regarding their expectations of our work together. This allows the client to start defining their definition of success in our relationship as well as their expectations of me. This helps us lay out some ground rules early on about my interaction with Kyle. Some of the questions include, "Where do you see yourself in two years?" and "How would you like to receive feedback from me?"
I also require my clients to complete an assessment called the Attribute Index. This assessment helps us look at patterns of thought. Since we all process information differently, the Attribute Index helps define the client's bias and clarity on their thinking, doing, and feeling traits. This helps us understand how we process information and what changes that causes in our behavior. By doing this assessment early on, I can help Kyle recognize some areas we may want to address in our conversations. The tool also ties in well with the material I use and we can align specific attributes to different life categories.
Prior to the kickoff, the results of both the questionnaire and assessment is reviewed. Kyle learned that he had high levels of understanding in the thought patterns related to systems and people. His strengths in these areas were integrating systems with human resources, organizational and human resource development, applying systemic thinking to humanistic resources or needs, respect for policies, understanding people, and big picture thinking.
Much of this process is about developing strengths within the individual. We want to take what someone is already good at and make them better. The assessment also addressed a number of minimizers that could negatively impact Kyle's performance. I will let Kyle share these with you if he chooses, and you will likely see some of the challenges come out as we work together. What I focus on is how do we take someone's strengths to overcome their weaknesses, and then how as leaders do we surround ourselves with the right people to fill in the gaps we cannot change about ourselves.
The Attribute Index also measures internal patterns, or what we think of ourselves. Kyle is both strong and balanced between the patterns of Self Esteem, Role Awareness, and Self Direction. He craves continuous improvement within himself and believes in lifelong learning. For this reason, he should be a good candidate for coaching.
The next step is the kickoff. At this point I introduced Kyle to my process for learning and development. Because I have materials that Kyle will be working from, and a program that will last 16 weeks, I take the time to cover the process with some detail. In the kickoff, we discuss the importance of change and that it requires us to open our minds to new ways of doing things. I also share the concept of learning through spaced repetition along with some of the subject matter we will be covering. Finally I wrap up with an introduction to the materials we will utilize over the next 4 months as part of the development process and give out the fieldwork for the first week. My clients are required to spend some time reading the materials as well as start work on an action plan which will help us uncover specific goals to work on over our time together and beyond. I ask my clients to invest an additional thirty minutes to an hour a day on the materials. Kyle and I are scheduled to connect again next week to review.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
What to look for in a coach
As I have said before, The Coaching Project's purpose is to give people a firsthand experience of coaching. More accurately, it is an experience of a particular style of coaching because there is no one written standard for the coaching practice. If the thought of hiring a coach interests you, then you will want to know what questions to ask.
Here are some things to consider when seeking out the services of a coach:
Reason - What is your purpose for hiring a coach. Is it sales focused? Are you seeking a business adviser? Are you looking for greater work/life balance? Coaches may specialize in one or more of these aspects. You have to determine if you are seeking a generalist or someone who targets a specific need.
Reputation - It seems like nowadays everyone is becoming a coach and there may be a number of different reasons why. Make sure your coach is passionate about his/her work and has the reputation to back it up. Seek references from the coach's clients. Ask specific questions about style of coaching and outcomes achieved.
Chemistry - How do you and the coach interact during the interview process? Do you feel like you can trust this person? If you two mix like oil and water then it is probably not a good fit. Find someone you can connect with.
Interest - Who spends most of the time talking? Is it you or the coach? Reputation is important, but the coach should not spend forty-five minutes talking about himself. Does this person show a true interest in you? Do they ask lots of questions and can they listen. Coaching is not consulting. A good coach seeks to help you discover the answers you already possess.
Process - Every coach has a process. Some are more defined than others. How is this person going to generate a conversation with you? You are hiring this person to help you achieve results. Seek out a coach who has the tools needed to get you where you want to be.
Commitment - What is your commitment to the process? Is it just a couple of meetings or is it longer? How serious are you about changing? There are three commitments you have to define: Time, Money, and change. Any coaching relationship that works requires time. Are you going to have fieldwork to do? What is the amount of time you will have to spend outside of your coaching meetings to get the results you want? Money is also a consideration. Coaching fees can range from $50 an hour to thousands for a long term commitment. Which will provide the best results for your investment. Don't be surprised if it is not the cheapest one. Finally you will need to commit to change. This is harder than it sounds and is often the biggest challenge that most people face.
Be sharp. Do your research and find that person that best fits your needs. And if you still have questions, please feel free to give me a call.
Here are some things to consider when seeking out the services of a coach:
Reason - What is your purpose for hiring a coach. Is it sales focused? Are you seeking a business adviser? Are you looking for greater work/life balance? Coaches may specialize in one or more of these aspects. You have to determine if you are seeking a generalist or someone who targets a specific need.
Reputation - It seems like nowadays everyone is becoming a coach and there may be a number of different reasons why. Make sure your coach is passionate about his/her work and has the reputation to back it up. Seek references from the coach's clients. Ask specific questions about style of coaching and outcomes achieved.
Chemistry - How do you and the coach interact during the interview process? Do you feel like you can trust this person? If you two mix like oil and water then it is probably not a good fit. Find someone you can connect with.
Interest - Who spends most of the time talking? Is it you or the coach? Reputation is important, but the coach should not spend forty-five minutes talking about himself. Does this person show a true interest in you? Do they ask lots of questions and can they listen. Coaching is not consulting. A good coach seeks to help you discover the answers you already possess.
Process - Every coach has a process. Some are more defined than others. How is this person going to generate a conversation with you? You are hiring this person to help you achieve results. Seek out a coach who has the tools needed to get you where you want to be.
Commitment - What is your commitment to the process? Is it just a couple of meetings or is it longer? How serious are you about changing? There are three commitments you have to define: Time, Money, and change. Any coaching relationship that works requires time. Are you going to have fieldwork to do? What is the amount of time you will have to spend outside of your coaching meetings to get the results you want? Money is also a consideration. Coaching fees can range from $50 an hour to thousands for a long term commitment. Which will provide the best results for your investment. Don't be surprised if it is not the cheapest one. Finally you will need to commit to change. This is harder than it sounds and is often the biggest challenge that most people face.
Be sharp. Do your research and find that person that best fits your needs. And if you still have questions, please feel free to give me a call.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Bio
Kyle Humphrey is currently the Director of Marketing at Unity Health Insurance, located in Sauk City, WI. In this role, Mr. Humphrey oversees the creation and execution of Unity's strategic marketing efforts, including advertising, communications, public relations, CRM, web marketing and market research.
Mr. Humphrey has 15 years experience in the health care industry, the majority in managed care. Prior to joining Unity Health Insurance in June of 2008, Mr. Humphrey worked for KCI, a global manufacturer and distributor of advanced wound healing products based out of San Antonio, TX. His responsibilities included national marketing and regional management of managed care contracts. He spent 11 years with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, serving in a variety of sales and marketing executive leadership roles.
Mr. Humphrey values life-long learning. He received his B.S. in Marketing from the University of La Crosse-Wisconsin and earned an M.B.A. from Winona State University. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Humphrey also taught undergraduate courses at Viterbo University's Dahl School of Business in La Crosse, WI.
Mr. Humphrey has 15 years experience in the health care industry, the majority in managed care. Prior to joining Unity Health Insurance in June of 2008, Mr. Humphrey worked for KCI, a global manufacturer and distributor of advanced wound healing products based out of San Antonio, TX. His responsibilities included national marketing and regional management of managed care contracts. He spent 11 years with Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, serving in a variety of sales and marketing executive leadership roles.
Mr. Humphrey values life-long learning. He received his B.S. in Marketing from the University of La Crosse-Wisconsin and earned an M.B.A. from Winona State University. In addition to his professional career, Mr. Humphrey also taught undergraduate courses at Viterbo University's Dahl School of Business in La Crosse, WI.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
The Willing Participant
As Dan indicated in his opening post, he needed someone willing to participate in his executive coaching program and blog about the experience. Presumably he wanted someone in a leadership position so they have a chance to utilize the skills learned and the kind of potential to really maximize the experience (from the standpoint of intellect, leadership, vision, etc.). Until he finds that person, he's asked me to participate.
My name's Kyle Humphrey and I'm excited to work through the coaching process and share my thoughts as we progress. I have had years of formal education (my bio is coming in the next post) and have supplemented that through a number of continuing educational opportunities as a professional. However, I've never had formal coaching. New things are good, right?
I hope you enjoy following along with us. I know I'm looking forward to it. And if you know of someone who fits the criteria in the opening paragraph, maybe wait a few weeks to let them know.
My name's Kyle Humphrey and I'm excited to work through the coaching process and share my thoughts as we progress. I have had years of formal education (my bio is coming in the next post) and have supplemented that through a number of continuing educational opportunities as a professional. However, I've never had formal coaching. New things are good, right?
I hope you enjoy following along with us. I know I'm looking forward to it. And if you know of someone who fits the criteria in the opening paragraph, maybe wait a few weeks to let them know.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Meet the Coach
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Daniel Paulson
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Daniel Paulson is President/CEO of InVision Business Development and is a strategist, executive coach, writer, and public speaker. His certifications include: Certified Business Coach and Attribute Index Assessments. As a coach and strategist, Dan works internationally with CEO’s, Boards of Directors, and business professionals to develop the skills necessary to become world-class organizations that deliver on performance, profitability, and customer loyalty. He has written for Business Watch, several trade publications, and actively blogs about current events in business.
Dan also has a loyal following with his “Biz Bits” online monthly newsletter which is recognized for its short, to-the-point messages about success in business. He has participated in other collaborative book projects and intends to release his first solo project “Apples to Apples” in late 2009.
Dan’s company works with executives to get the profit out of their plan. He founded InVision Business Development in 2005 to help leaders address their challenges with people, planning and process. He recognized early in his professional career that strategic plans often fail due to poor communication and improper alignment to the Vision of the company. Taking his expertise in strategy and leadership development, Dan has helped many companies grow and prosper. He speaks nationally to groups on the subjects of strategy, leadership, sales and customer loyalty.
Active in community projects, Dan works with local chambers of commerce to help small businesses establish themselves. He is actively involved in DMI (Downtown Madison, Inc.) and has been on the advisory boards for Techskills and Madison Media Institute. He currently serves on the board of directors for With Wings and a Halo (www.withwingsandahalo.org), a not for profit dedicated to supplying books and backpacks to emergency workers to give to children affected by traumatic events.
You can contact and follow Dan directly at:
InVision Business Development
Phone: 608-235-5320
Fax: 608-935-2010
Web: www.invisionbusinessdevelopment.com
Blog: www.invisionbusinessdevelopment.com/blog/
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/invisionu
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Dan-Paulson/1027446144
Twitter: www.twitter.com/Invision_brand
An Introduction to The Coaching Project
Since starting InVision Business Development in 2005, I have seen the advantages that Executive Coaching can have on an individual and a business. Yet there are many out there who have wondered about coaching but may have been afraid to make the investment or didn't know what was involved in the coaching process.
Then came the idea to create an interactive place where people can observe and share in the coaching process. The internet and blogging provide an excellent public forum to post ideas and commentary about the process, but it would need a willing participant to share their experiences. Fortunately I was able to find an individual willing to share his experience in going through the process. So after jumping through a little red tape, we are ready to launch The Coaching Project.
Then came the idea to create an interactive place where people can observe and share in the coaching process. The internet and blogging provide an excellent public forum to post ideas and commentary about the process, but it would need a willing participant to share their experiences. Fortunately I was able to find an individual willing to share his experience in going through the process. So after jumping through a little red tape, we are ready to launch The Coaching Project.
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