Question 1

What would an engagement structure look like?

Accepted Answer

Typically, I engage with my clients fox six to eight months (we shoot for six, but often end up taking a little longer). We start by generating a goals document - this can take anywhere from two to four sessions. In parallel, I do a 360, talking to roughly ten people who the client recommends.
 
We then review the 360, merging any findings into the goals document and finalizing what we are shooting for in the engagement.
 
If required, we review the goals document with stake-holders: manager, HRBP or VP People, Board members, to ensure alignment and accountability.
 
Then we’re off and running for five to six months, using the goals document to adjust our direction, and completing with a final review with stake-holders.
 
This engagement structure is a template, not a rule-book. There is plenty of room for longer, shorter, more or less intense engagements.

Question 2

Do you extend engagements?

Accepted Answer

I do find, particularly in organizations that are growing very quickly, that it’s often helpful to extend the engagement for an additional six months or longer: by the time we've finished the initial engagement, the organization has grown to a new state, and my client has new challenges to deal with.

Question 3

What is the cadence for sessions?

Accepted Answer

I find the right balance to be every two weeks. This gives you, the client, enough time to absorb the previous session and practice (important!) the tools we introduced before coming back for more.
 
If things get intense, we can meet more frequently, and I am available for email and quick chats between sessions.
 
I don’t like leaving sessions for a month or longer, but it happens. If it happens frequently, we'll need to adjust.

Question 4

How long is a session and is it in person or remote?

Accepted Answer

I work in person, at your office, in San Francisco, and occasionally Silicon Valley. About twenty percent of my clients at any given time are remote or partially remote (Seattle, India) - video works well.
 
Our sessions can be anywhere from 45 to 90 minutes. Some clients get value from the longer sessions, some prefer the compressed time of 45 minutes.

Question 5

Do I have to do the homework?

Accepted Answer

Well, yes, practice is fundamental. If you do it, there’s a strong likelihood you’ll make some fundamental changes pretty quickly. If you don’t, well, less so.
 
Sometimes the homework means trying something new in every meeting. Sometimes it’s a simple reflection. The more intensely you practice, the greater the likelihood of real change.

COACHING FAQs

My Coaching Style and Approach

Engagements and Sessions

GET IN TOUCH