FAQ: Doug's Coaching

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What are your coaching credentials?

I have been coaching leaders for most of my career. Since the late 1990’s, coaching has become the primary focus of my work. I am a Master Somatic Coach with Strozzi Institute, and have worked and studied closely with other leaders in the field. Significant influences on my work can be explored in depth on the links page. I have authored two well-received coaching books that detail my unique approach. My Presence-Based Coaching program is approved by the International Coach Federation for coach certification; of course, I’m also certified by ICF.

How can I best understand your specific approach to coaching?

Presence-Based Coaching rests on the premise that humans are most effective, in any situation, if they clear on what is important to them, and present to the choices that allow their actions to line up with those commitments. The best insight into my approach can be found in my two books, The Mindful Coach and Presence-Based Coaching. A free download will provide a quick overview of the foundations of this work. You can discover  a lot about me by exploring this site, and view my letter to prospective clients.

How should I decide if you are the best fit?

Let’s talk. You can freely ask whatever questions you might have, and I’ll illustrate how my methods might fit your needs. Most importantly, I will tell you frankly if I’m not the right coach for you; good rapport and clear understanding are crucial if we are to be successful together. It’s also wise to interview two or three coaches.

Can you give me a success story?

I recently coached a talented CFO of a medical facility. Her workplace stress and anxiety, coupled with inefficient time and priority management, earned her a “high maintenance” reputation with her boss. Through our work, she learned to monitor her reactions to others, and to manage these reactions differently. Additional tools helped her manage priorities and subordinates with proficiency. By the end, she was much more effective and self-confident. Her boss, while initially skeptical, saw his CFO become a star on the management team.

What have you learned from client engagements that didn’t go so well?

Plenty! Through experience, I’ve learned to continually improve my own self-awareness as coach, and to expand my base of resources and tools. I’ve learned to assess clients more effectively, to identify early when client motivation may be an issue, and to more quickly recognize my own blind spots. Mostly, I’ve learned to be effective in a way that is both powerful and compassionate.

Have you yourself been coached?

I have worked with five different coaches over the years, in periods ranging from six months to two years, choosing each with a specific purpose and intention in relation to my own development. In each case, working with a new perspective and approach was a tremendously valuable experience.

May I talk to your clients about your coaching?

I’m happy to provide client references. However, out of respect for their time, I provide references only after an initial conversation indicates that there’s a fit.

How will you assess my specific needs?

By spending time to understand the unique challenges you face, and to assess the ways you interpret and respond to those challenges. We will discuss assessment approaches, which sometimes include interviews with people who work with you, 360 degree reviews, and other formal tools. Based on this initial assessment, together we’ll develop a set of very specific, observable outcomes to guide the program design. Our work together will be shaped by our partnership, not by my agenda for you. You are the curriculum; your coaching program will be as unique and distinct as you are.

How will you differentiate your coaching for me?

Your coaching outcomes will be defined very clearly, and customized to your situation. Based on these, we’ll design the coaching process. Our work together will be shaped by partnership, not by my agenda for you. You are the curriculum; your coaching program will be as unique and distinct as you are. See sample outcomes.

What can I expect to gain?

Given your commitment and motivation, you can expect to successfully achieve the outcomes we agree upon. Expect to learn about yourself, and become more and more skillful at guiding your own development. The more you invest in developing your capacity and resilience, the more you’ll discover unexpected benefits in other areas of your life.

How do we get started?

Things generally begin with an exploratory conversation to discuss your general goals and how we’ll work together. There’s no charge or commitment required for this conversation. If we both choose to move forward, we’ll shape the intake process from there.

How much will this cost?

Cost depends on several factors: the amount of upfront assessment work we do, the frequency and duration of meetings, whether our meetings are face-to-face vs. the phone, and a host of other parameters. After a good fit has been determined, we’ll identify a clear approach- with timeframe and costs - that works for you and your goals.

What accountability do you have for my results? What commitment do I have to make?

My accountability is to the outcomes we define together. Obviously, if clients do not successfully reach their outcomes, I don’t have a business! I promise that, if you engage fully, you will achieve those outcomes. That said, I have no control over your part of the relationship. I request that you enter with a commitment for several months. It’s critical that you enter the process knowing it’s not a “quick fix,” and are prepared to commit to the time it takes to achieve your outcomes.

How will we know when it is time to discontinue our coaching?

Generally, I contract for a set period of time and pre-determined outcomes. This makes us both much more accountable than the typical open-ended coaching relationship in which a coach’s inherent motivation to keep the client on the line can subtly undermine the client’s development. My commitment is to serve your effectiveness and your capacity to independently guide your development. At the end of our agreed upon timeframe, we can re-negotiate our agreement or complete, as you choose.