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Coaching Guidelines

Warning! You are about to take your life to a whole new level. As you step up now you will be taking a huge leap toward making your life even more of a magical masterpiece.  These are the terms required to make a coaching relationship successful:

           Working Agreement

I am honored to be in the position of working with you as your personal Life Coach. While working together, it is important that we establish an open and cooperative working relationship that will help you to clearly define and achieve your personal goals. As your Coach I will be your advocate and supporter as you make your way to developing what you wish to create in your life.

The Role of the Coach and Client:

The role of both the coach and the client, are that of peers. As a trained professional, I am not licensed as a therapist and do not attempt to provide diagnosis or treatment of any kind. I will help you to decide the best way to help you achieve what you want to achieve, while providing you with my honest Coaching opinions; however, our coaching relationship is always based on your agenda, not mine. I listen, reflect, ask questions, provide prospective and opinions. I support you to find and foster your own integrity and I believe that you always know what is really best for you.

As my client, I ask you to show up fully prepared and present for each coaching session, pay attention to what has heart and meaning for you. I fully expect that you will always speak the truth and without blame or judgment be open to outcome rather than attached to outcome. I will do the same. I expect your best. If you are hiring me I imagine that you are ready to make meaningful changes in yourself and your life. Our working relationship working relationship is top priority for me. I ask that you use me as the resource I am.

Nature of Relationship:

The Client enters into coaching with the understanding that the Client is responsible for creating his or her own decisions and results. The Coach is a Professional Business and Executive Coach and a member of the International Coach Federation with a background in sales, marketing, communication skills, business, leadership, training and public speaking. As requested, the Coach may give specific advice or suggestions, however it is ultimately the Client’s responsibility for making his or her own decisions determining the best course of action.

The Coaching relationship is in no way to be construed as psychological counseling or any type of psychotherapy. In the event that the client feels the need for professional counseling or therapy, it is the responsibility of the client to seek a licensed professional.

Confidentiality:

Our coaching relationship is completely confidential. The Coach recognizes that the Client may disclose future plans, business affairs and personal and financial information. The Coach will not at any time, share this information with a third party. The Coach realizes that the Client may have future plans, business dealings and proprietary information. The Coach will not at any time, either directly or indirectly, use any such information for the Coach’s own benefit.

The Coach will not divulge that the Coach and Client are in a coaching relationship without express consent of the Client. The Client, of course, is free to discuss the coaching relationship with anyone at any time.

This confidentiality statement is intended to be as confidential as the applicable state or federal laws – and the Employer’s own company policy allows. The coaching relationship is not privileged and, as such, the Coach’s records regarding work with a Client can be subpoenaed.

Communication:

Please feel free to share your stories, your wins and disappointments. As we proceed, I ask that you speak openly regarding your coaching experience. I need to know what works for you and what does not. I am committed to serving your needs through this process. If I hear something in your voice or notice something that may be amiss, I am likely to ask you about it. Often, it is the small moments that bring about the biggest shifts for you.

Requirements:

I ask my clients to stretch themselves, deepen the work done in the sessions through writing, taking action, resolving relationships or anything that requires completion so that you can move ahead with certainty. Your choice is always that you may accept or decline these requests. You must negotiate what is right for you – however, please do so with careful thought. Please come prepared to create something you want for yourself.

Indemnification:

The Client shall indemnify and hold the Coach harmless from any loss or liability arising from actions taken or situations created as a result of the coaching relationship.

Fees:

CLIENT PAYS COACHING FEES IN ADVANCE.

  • To set up monthly credit card payment, or full payment, please fill out and return the form provided in the welcome package
  • If you prefer to send payment by e-transfer let me know (Canadians)
  • Please include my fees in your monthly budgeting
  • I permit no more than one (1) late payment per calendar quarter. The exception is for single sessions arranged as required. Note sessions will not resume until payment has been received.
  • Should alternate arrangements be required for payment – “we can discuss them”
  • Once Coaching has started there are no refunds on short term packages and or any other digital materials created by and sold by TLW, for long term coaching packages refunds are accepted minus 3 months which will be held due to losses, availability and processing.

Scheduling Changes:

Please give our work ‘high priority’ and arrange your schedule to accommodate the dates and times that we have agreed upon. If you must reschedule, I require 48 hours notice. Always let me know as soon as possible regarding any changes that must be accommodated. I do not reschedule no show calls / no show appointments.

GROUND RULES: 

 CLIENT IS READY TO RECEIVE THE COACHING CALL AT THE SCHEDULED TIME.

  1. As a client, I understand and agree that I am fully responsible for my physical, mental and emotional well-being during my coaching calls, including my choices and decisions. I am aware that I can choose to discontinue coaching at any time.
  2. I understand that “coaching” is a professional client-centred, relationship I have with my coach that is designed to facilitate the creation/development of personal, professional or business goals and to develop and carry out a strategy/plan for achieving those goals.
  3. I understand that coaching is a comprehensive process that may involve all areas of my life, including work, finances, health, relationships, education and recreation. I acknowledge that deciding how to handle these issues, incorporate coaching into those areas, and implement my choices is exclusively my responsibility.
  4. I understand that coaching does not involve the diagnosis or treatment of mental disorders as defined by the Canadian/American Psychiatric Association. I understand that coaching is not a substitute for counselling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care or substance abuse treatment and I will not use it in place of any form of diagnosis, treatment or therapy.
  5. I promise that if I am currently in therapy or otherwise under the care of a mental health professional, that I have consulted with the mental health care provider regarding the advisability of working with a coach and that this person is aware of my decision to proceed with the coaching relationship.
  6. I understand that information will be held as confidential unless I state otherwise, in writing, except as required by law.
  7. I understand that certain topics may be anonymously and hypothetically shared with other coaching professionals for training OR consultation purposes.
  8. I understand that coaching is not to be used as a substitute for professional advice by legal, medical, financial, business, spiritual or other qualified professionals. I will seek independent professional guidance for legal, medical, financial, business, spiritual or other matters. I understand that all decisions in these areas are exclusively mine and I acknowledge that my decisions and my actions regarding them are my sole responsibility.
  9. Recorded sessions are for the purpose of coach client reflection, notes and based on your package type purchased you will receive a copy for your records. I understand that coaching sessions may be recorded.

                                                                              PROCEDURES:

* Note: We take confidentiality very seriously. Everything we talk about is completely confidential

  •  You agree to provide 48-hours’ notice to cancel or reschedule a coaching session.
  •  I will call you approximately 2-minutes before our coaching session is to begin, please be at your phone, if you do not answer I will make 1 more final attempt 5 minutes after the scheduled time.
  •  If I cannot reach you on the phone for our scheduled session, you will be charged for that session.
  • All calls are recorded for education purposes and remain confidential.
  •  I will do what I say I will do, when I say I will do it.
  •  I understand that if I miss an appointment it will not be made up.
  • I will double my willingness to try new things suggested by my coach.
  •  I will become more each day.

I understand that violation of any of the terms above is grounds for being fired by my coach. If my coach fires me, the remainder of that month’s payment or balance of the package will be forfeit.

                                                                         What Is Coaching?

Coaching is quickly becoming one of the top tools that today’s successful people, leaders, executives and entrepreneurs use to run successful businesses and lead extraordinary lives. Through weekly coaching sessions my clients identify what is most important to them and align their thoughts, words and actions accordingly.

Part personal advisory, part sounding board and part strategist, as your coach I am someone who is specifically focused on you and your success. I work with you to identify what you want personally and professionally and support you in achieving a life that you really want and love. Having a life you love starts with gaining clarity on your values, enabling more meaningful choices and consistent action. Your commitment to your life through coaching offers a means for more balance, joy, intimacy, energy, financial abundance, focus and action in every area of your life.

As professional athletes have known for years, having someone work directly with you to point out things you can’t see and keep encouraging and challenging you to achieve your greatest potential is invaluable. That’s who I am for you. Coaching is like having personal trainer for your life!

As Your Coach I Will:

  • Encourage you to set goals that you truly want.
  • Ask you to do more than you may have done on your own.
  • Help you focus better in order to produce results more quickly.
  • Provide you with the tools, support and structure to accomplish more.

How Is Coaching Different from Therapy or Consulting?

Coaching is not therapy, which goes into depth about various issues, usually dealing with the past, nor is it consulting which generally results in giving the client answers. Coaching is more action-oriented and focuses primarily on the present and future. As your coach I enable you to determine your own “answers” through the work done in our coaching partnership.

Who Works with a Coach?

Entrepreneurs, business owners, professionals and people in transition are some of the people who typically work with a coach. Regardless of their professional endeavour or place in life, all of my clients have one thing in common: they are all successful, resourceful and intelligent individuals who are ready to go for the things they really want in their lives!

How Does Coaching Work?

The power of coaching is found in the relationship, so we begin the process by getting to know one another. The better I know you, the more effective the coaching. In fact, approximately 75% of my coaching clients work with me for six months to a year, or longer.

How I Coach Clients:

As your coach, I will inquire, encourage, advise, challenge, make requests and listen for your truth so that you remain aligned with who you are, your goals, your values and your vision. My focus is completely on you and what you want in life; I stand for you first and foremost, not just your goals.

The coaching relationship is designed by us both, and may be refined through ongoing two way feedback. Even though I am committed to the journey, you will ultimately be responsible for actions taken (or not taken) in your life throughout the process.

I Expect Your Best:

We should only be working together if you are ready to do and be your best. If you aren’t doing your best, I will ask you to do so. If you can’t be your best at the moment, I will understand and together we’ll figure out how to get you back on track!

I Make Specific Requests:

From time to time, I will make a direct request, such as “Will you accomplish X by the end of the month?” You may accept the request, counter-offer (e.g.: “I can’t do X, but I can do Y”) or decline (rare). I will always support you whichever way you respond.

I Give Advice:

If I am sure of the situation, and you’re open to it, I will make specific suggestions on how to handle a problem or go for an opportunity. If I am not sure, I will say so. Regardless, use the best of what I say and use your own judgment.

I am Direct:

When I hear a funny tone in your voice, or notice something amiss, I will ask you about it. Often, it is these small moments that offer the chance to resolve something. However, I will not confront you; I will merely invite you to take a closer look.

I Give Homework:

I typically ask you to determine two or three goals or actions to focus on between our calls. If I am pushing you too much, say so. If you want to be pushed harder, just ask.

I’m Here for You:

I want to hear it all. If you have a personal problem, are upset with something (even me or the coaching), are just starting to realize something big, or can’t wait to share a breakthrough, please call or e-mail me anytime.

Foundational Session:

The coaching relationship begins with a Foundational Session. We’ll use the insights gained from the attached Client Questionnaire to identify the areas you want to focus on over the next three to six months and year. We’ll investigate your personal and company vision, purpose and values. Then we will create a personal action plan to set and achieve some real “stretch” goals and fine tune your unique brand by leveraging your strengths and bolstering your weaker areas.

  Policies & Procedures

How We Will Meet:

We’ll meet by Zoom, phone (I will call you) or Skype. We will typically schedule our calls for the same time and day of the weeks of your package. Weeks that we don’t have scheduled calls are an excellent time for you to put extra time and effort into achieving your objectives.

Weekly Sessions: (based on package purchased)

Before each session I expect that you will fill out the success tracker (link provided) and mentally prepare and come to the call with one or two things you wish to focus on. By the end of the session, you should expect some “breakthrough,” such as working through a problem, gaining clarity on an issue, making an important decision or creating a plan of action. In general my clients are more motivated and energized, ready to take action and in a better place than before the session.

Changes/Cancellations:

I request that you make our scheduled coaching calls a priority. On the rare occasion when you need to reschedule please let me know at least 48 hours in advance. Except in the case of an emergency, you will be charged for last minute cancellations or missed calls.

Extra Time:

Please call or email me <jen@askjenjones.com> between calls if you can’t wait to share a success, need advice, have a challenge or just want to check-in. If I have time between our regular calls and I enjoy providing this extra level of service. I do not bill for this type of additional time, I only request that you keep extra calls at 5 to 10 minutes each no more than twice a month. (refer to package details)

Initial Coaching Period:                         

Although I do not always use formal contracts with my clients, I recommend you commit to coaching for at least 6-12 months. The benefits of coaching is build over time. In order to maximize the return on your investment, I encourage you to make this commitment to yourself and your business very seriously.

Confidentiality:

It is important for the integrity and value of our coaching relationship that we are open and honest with each other. In this light, what we discuss will remain completely confidential.

Referrals:

Many of my clients have come to me by referral. If our coaching has enabled you to generate the results you want in your business and life, I request that you share your coaching experience with others and refer me to anyone you know who might be interested in what coaching has to offer. I will happily conduct a “Fire Up Session” with anyone you refer and if they sign up you will receive a 15% discount on your next purchased session package and your referee will receive a discount of 15% as well, upon purchasing a package. Please contact jen@askjenjones.com for all referral requests.

 How to Get the Most from Coaching:

I want you to benefit greatly from our coaching calls and the time in between. This guide briefly outlines some of the things you can do to maximize the value of your coaching experience.

Focus on What You Really Want:

Coaching works best when you have clear goals that are based on your true values. First I encourage you to deeply consider what you want your life to look like. Then, identify the gaps between the way things are now and how you would like them to be. Many people struggle with this, so if you’re unsure about what it is you really want to achieve, coaching is an excellent tool that can provide you with greater clarity.

Get to Know Yourself Newly:

Working with an experienced, empathetic coach is a healthy way to grow. Most clients hire a coach to work on specific goals and much of the time and focus is on these objectives. Yet with coaching many clients discover new parts of themselves and find they adjust their goals to be more in alignment with who they really are. This discovery process is natural, and you don’t need to concentrate on it, just realize it will likely happen. Accelerated personal and professional growth is the hallmark of coaching.

Double Your Level of Willingness:

Part of working with me as your coach is that I will ask a lot of you. Not too much I hope, but perhaps more than you may have been asked recently. I request that you be willing to experiment with fresh approaches and try on new beliefs. I will invite you to tell the absolute truth, raise your personal standards and set bigger goals. Ultimately you need to decide what is best for you, however the more willing you are to grow, the greater the benefits from coaching.

Come Prepared to Each Coaching Call:

To get the most value out of the coaching session, I request that you prepare a written agenda for each call. Many of my clients use the provided “Success Tracker or Coaching Prep Form.” This doesn’t have to be a big, time-consuming thing and usually only requires 10-20 minutes. Investing that small amount of time to prepare for the call and emailing an agenda to me beforehand will have a huge impact on our session.

Do Your Homework:

Each week you will decide on the actions or goals you want to focus. I expect you to keep the commitments you make and will work with you to make sure you are setting worthwhile, realistic and achievable objectives. If you know that a busy week is ahead your homework might be as simple as thinking about a new perspective. If you have more time you might decide to handle a big task. Regardless, I will hold you accountable and encourage you to do your best.

Benefits of Working with a Coach:

Coaching is proven to work when two factors are present:

  1. The client is willing to learn, grow and take action.
  2. There is a gap between where he/she is now and where he/she wants to be.

That’s all that is necessary for a successful coaching relationship where you can develop the right strategy, implement a plan of action and achieve your goals. Anything is possible within our coaching relationship. With a coach you can:

Take More, Better and Smarter Actions:

Our first task together is to find out exactly what you really want for yourself. Once you create objectives that are clearly in line with your personal values and professional vision, you’re much more likely to naturally and consistently take actions to reach them.

Have a Balanced Life, Which Works Well:

Professional success is maximized when you enjoy a sense of personal fulfillment and life balance. We will discuss how to be selfish, yet responsible, and how to carve out enough time so your life outside of work is exactly the way you want it to be.

Make Better Decisions:

I will help you become focused as you share ideas with me. I will understand you and be subjective enough to want a lot for you, yet objective enough not to be biased or self-serving. You’ll also find that just talking about your options with someone who really listens is often enough to clarify things.

Reach for More, Much More:

When you have a partner you trust, you will reach for much more because you can afford to. Are you ready to think big and really live your life fully? I’m a partner who will enable you to take your life wherever you want it to go.

Make and Keep More Money:

Most people are worth a lot more than they are making. Are you happy with your financial situation? If not, we can look at your beliefs around money and address whatever is keeping you from experiencing financial abundance.

Have More Sustainable Energy:

Together we’ll identify the things that drain your energy and create a long-term strategy to eliminate them. In addition, we’ll focus on the things that give you energy and explore how to maximize their impact. When you’re happy, productive and free from toleration’s and problems, life is a lot more fun!

I look forward to working together to create the life that you most want for yourself!

See you on the other side…..