Coaching
Coaching is a productive conversation between a coach and coachee (the person being coached) to enable them to fully develop themselves and reach their goals. What coaching does is to ask powerful questions to help the coachee find the answers that will work for them. Diverse Minds specialises in cross-cultural management coaching, team coaching and 1-2-1 coaching addressing career progression and wellbeing. The coaching practice is non-directive and coachee-led. There is no right or wrong, it is what you bring to the session. You can get to where you want to be by creating a framework that suits you.
It is from my own experience of feeling frustrated and exhausted about my career that I turned to coaching in 2015. It was a pivotal time, which subsequently shaped my future direction for the best. I was honoured to be offered the opportunity to train as a coach a year later.
All coachees receive a free 30 min consultation to ascertain whether the coach and style is the right fit for them. This will also be an opportunity to ask any questions, discuss the coaching agreement as well as costs.
Please find a full list of frequently asked questions below, so you can find out more.
PRICING
Coaching FAQs
What is coaching?
Coaching is a growth and development tool based on a conversation between a coach and coachee (client). The focus of the conversation is solely on the coachee. With the aim of generating a discussion that will help the coachee consider their goals, learn, move forward, and reach their potential. It is based on the premise that the coachee has the answers, the coach will simply support by asking questions to unlock the answers within the coachee.
Coaches may not be an expert in all areas of a coachee’s work, but they will have a number of tools and techniques to be able to ask powerful questions to facilitate development.
Will a coach tell me what to do?
No, advice or instruction will not be given. Coaching sessions are a time for you to talk and explore a specific issue or goal. In coaching there is no right or wrong way to achieve what you want to. A coach will ask questions to get you thinking but will not tell you what to do.
Isn’t coaching the same as counselling or therapy?
Counselling and/or therapy, tend to focus on a negative or life changing event(s) in the past. Counselling deals with cognitive and emotional “blockages”, which may be impeding someone to function optimally. Counselling and therapy use specific frameworks to help someone to regain mental balance with life, work and relationships.
Coaching in contrast focuses on what is happening in the present. It is future focused, action orientated and supportive in helping clients move towards their goals. Coaching is not a substitute for counselling or therapy, but it can work in conjunction with them.
Is coaching confidential?
Yes, coaching is completely confidential between the coach and coachee. I comply with GDPR and do not take any case notes. The only exception(s) in relation to confidentiality would be due to criminal activity, risk of harm to yourself or others. In which case I have an ethical duty to report it to the relevant authorities or next of kin as appropriate.
Is there anything I shouldn’t talk about?
No, I am committed to making the sessions work for you. The only caveat with this is, if I feel that a counsellor, therapist or other expert would be better placed to support you. I may then stop the coaching session and encourage you to seek support if that’s appropriate or required.
What kind of coaching do you do?
The coaching that I focus on centres on wellbeing and career progression. You may have been considering that promotion, thinking about changing job or reaching your potential. However, you are also concerned about burnout, stress and maintaining wellbeing to juggle everything. Then you have come to the right place. Having been there myself and supported people at the very same crossroads I have chosen to specialise in this area. That’s not to say I won’t coach people who have other goals. You can get a free taster session to see if what I do is right for you.
Can I get a free taster prior to deciding if it’s right for me?
Yes, absolutely you can book a free 30 minute Skype or phone call to see if coaching is right for you. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, raise any concerns and outline an issue you wish to bring to into the coaching space. There is no obligation to proceed, this is your opportunity to find out more and see if I am the right fit for you. You can book a slot here: https://calendly.com/leylao/30min
Prior to starting coaching, if you would like to go ahead, I will also send you a coaching partnership agreement. This sets out rights and responsibilities for both of us and outlines expectations from the start.
Do I need to do or prepare anything before we speak?
Nothing specifically, just be willing to speak about what’s brought you to coaching. You may also like to jot down any questions you have about the process or my experience.
What happens in the introductory call?
You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, raise any concerns and outline an issue you wish to bring to into the coaching space. There is no obligation to proceed, this is your opportunity to find out more and see if I am the right fit for you. You can ask me about my experience and about the work I have done.
How much does 1-2-1 coaching cost?
The cost per is £150 per session with a minimum of four sessions (each session is 75 mins).
If you pay in one block it’s £600 for five sessions (one session free). Payment is to be received by BACS.
How long does a coaching session last for?
Coaching sessions are booked in for 75 minutes
Does coaching have to be face-to-face?
Not at all, in fact, the majority of the coaching I do is over Skype or the phone. It works well and makes it easier for people who can’t travel or have limited time. Coaching over the phone can help coachees feel more at ease as they are in their own environment.
How do I book a session/sessions?
Following the introductory call, if you decide you would like to go ahead we will book the first session following the call. Each session will be booked at the end of the last session. Prior to starting coaching I will also send you a coaching partnership agreement, which sets out rights and responsibilities for both of us. This outlines expectations from the start.
How regularly do the sessions take place?
Again, this will be up to you and how you want to space the sessions. There is no set formula, it’s what works best for you.
Can I book just one session?
It is not advisable to have just one session. I encourage people to book in block of four where possible to support them with their development journey. If you feel you need more sessions in addition to the block, then a one-off session can be booked.
How does a coaching session work?
There is no set structure or format to a coaching session. You bring a topic, issue goal to the session. I listen and ask questions to help you get to where you want to be. Initially it may feel strange to have uninterrupted speaking time to talk about yourself. By having this safe time and space you will begin to find solutions, ways forward and decide which actions to commit to. As mentioned previously there is no right or wrong way to be a coachee. Just go with what feels natural for you.
Will there be homework to complete?
I don’t tend to set or give “homework” routinely. However, there may be occasions where we both agree an activity or task that may be helpful. It’s completely up to you whether you chose to complete it.
Can I contact you between sessions?
You may e-mail me between our meetings if you can’t wait to share a success with me or are really stuck. I will aim to reply within 48 hours.
How is group coaching different to 1-2-1 coaching?
Group coaching is coaching in a group. I usually do this with a team of people who work together. 1-2-1 coaching is only the coach and the coachee.
What makes you a coach?
I have an Institute in Leadership and Management Level 5 Qualification in Coaching.
I have been coaching for two years and worked with numerous organisations to facilitate team coaching. I am a Mental Health First Aid Instructor and workplace mediator which support my coaching skills. I also attend regular CPD days and supervision to ensure that I maintain and update my skills.
