Engaging in a one-to-one business coaching programme is a big commitment.
As it’s a significant investment in time and money I’ve created this blog post to help you understand everything you need to know before buying it.
I want you to have all the information at hand so that you can make the right choice. So this article is an unbiased look at my one-to-one business coaching programme to make sure it’s right for you.
What is coaching?
If anyone asks me to define coaching I usually reach for Sir John Whitmore’s definition, which is:
Coaching is about unlocking people’s potential to maximise their own performance.
Sir John Whitmore
How does it help you?
Coaching, in a business context, can help you with the following:
1. Leadership Skills
It enhances your leadership skills as you develop and grow the business in a fast-paced and complex environment.
2. Self-Awareness
It increases your self-awareness leading to improved self-management as well as a better understanding of your strengths and weaknesses.
3. Focus and Stress Reduction
It helps you focus on what matters so that you achieve a better work-life balance as well as reducing stress.
4. High Performance
It builds a high-performance culture, ensuring that your teams are resourced and well set up for success.
Who is delivering the coaching?
Usually, I – Dara – will deliver the coaching. If I or, more importantly, you think that one of my associates would be a better fit – I’ll recommend having a conversation with one of them.
What are my coaching qualifications?
I’m a big believer in training and qualifications. I have a Diploma in Executive Coaching from the Training and Mentoring Partnership (TCMP) which is based in Dublin. This qualification is recognised by the Association for Coaching, of which I am a member.
What’s my background?
My first job was with LGT Asset Management. Later on I moved into management consulting and have been working as an independent since 2008. I train and support B2B business development teams to improve their performance across the entire commercial cycle in order to increase their win rates.
Away from work I’m a keen sportsman, with a passion for triathlon and cycling.
What is my approach?
I don’t tell my clients what to do. There’s more power in helping them develop their own awareness around an issue through questions, and then supporting them as they develop their own options.
Let’s face it. Most business frameworks are variants of Plan, Do, Review. Like most coaches I’ve used the GROW model extensively. As I’ve developed as a coach I’ve looked at other models and taken bits and pieces of what I’ve liked about them and incorporated them into my own ORBiTAR model.
The ORBiTAR Coaching Model:
Orbitar means ‘to orbit’ in the Catalan, Galician and Portuguese languages. It’s appropriate as the coach’s role is to facilitate on the outside as the client is at the centre doing the real work.
1. Outcome
At the start of a programme or individual session we look at what the goal or ideal outcome is.
2. Reality
We then examine what is going on at the moment.
3. Build
We examine how well they are resourced to address the issue and what action they can take to build their foundations.
4. Tune
We then calibrate the options and pick the most appropriate one for the situation.
5. Action
The client goes off and works their way through the issue according to the options discussed.
6. Review
In the next session we review what happened. We discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what the learnings and next steps are.
The build and tune phases are particularly important for me. My triathlon pursuits are founded on developing strong aerobic fitness – building the engine – before fine tuning my training for particular races. Can you imagine racing without building the fitness required for that particular event? Most managers are engaged in a constant cycle of “doing” without taking stock and working out whether they are adequate prepared for what they are attempting to do.
What is my niche?
My coaching focus is on helping executives and senior managers put the foundations in place to “step up” as leaders. People who are either new to leadership roles, or whose organisations have expanded rapidly are often taken by surprise, not only at the speed and intensity of their new lives, but also at the volume of work and activity on their plates. If they continue to operate as they did they will remain in the “weeds” bailing out their team and in a constant state of overwhelm. Those who adapt to and thrive in their new environment learn how to work in a different way.
I help my clients develop their teams as well as their identity and relationships with both their boss and peers. I coach them to develop a visceral understanding of the concerns of each of these constituencies – which they then address with meaningful offers executed with rigour.
Who is business coaching for?
1. C-Suite Executives
C-Suite Executives who need support navigating complex organisational challenges.
2. Senior Managers
Senior managers who are the lynchpins in leading teams to implement organisational strategy
3. High Potentials
High potential employees with fire in their bellies who are on the rise and want to accelerate their development.
4. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners
Entrepreneurs and business owners who face challenges in managing and growing their companies.
Who is it not for?
Business coaching is not for you if:
1. You lack clear goals or objectives
If an individual or organization is not clear about what they want to achieve through coaching, the process may lack direction. Clear goals and objectives are crucial for a successful coaching engagement.
2. You lack commitment
If an individual is not committed to the coaching process or is not open to feedback and personal development, the coaching relationship may not be productive. Successful coaching requires active engagement and a willingness to make changes.
3. You have a short-term focus
Business coaching is most effective when viewed as a long-term development strategy. Individuals or organizations seeking only short-term solutions may not fully benefit from the coaching process.
4. You have unrealistic expectations
If someone expects quick fixes or immediate results without putting in the necessary effort and time, they may be disappointed. Business coaching is a process that takes time, and results may not be instantaneous.
5. You have severe personal or psychological Issues
Business coaches are not trained to provide therapy or counselling for severe mental health issues. If an individual is dealing with significant personal or psychological challenges, they may be better served by seeking the support of a mental health professional.
6. You lack autonomy
In situations where individuals do not have the autonomy to make decisions or implement changes within their roles, the impact of coaching may be limited. Coaching is most effective when individuals have the ability to apply what they learn.
How long will it take to go through the programme?
My one-to-one coaching programmes typically last for an initial six months. After the initial block you, your sponsor and other relevant stakeholder can decide on whether it’s appropriate to continue on or to contract for a new programme.
What is the structure of the programme?
There are a number of phases to any coaching programme. These are:
1. Pre-Programme
2. Discovery
3. Application and Action
4. Consolidation
5. Programme Review.
For a detailed description of each phase you can read the following article.
Where does the coaching take place?
The coaching takes place either on site, or online, depending on which option is most practical.
Do you use psychometrics?
I use psychometrics if I feel that they will give:
- More insight into you, your preferences and focus, as well as
- Further context to the goal setting and programme content.
I am accredited and licenced to administer the following tools:
- Prophet Predictive Role Profiling – Prophet Profiling Ltd.
- Profile XT and Profiles Performance Indicator – Profiles International.
Tell me about confidentiality
What is discussed between us in the sessions is confidential. Confidentiality is the foundation stone of a strong coach – client relationship. If the person sponsoring your coaching programme wants feedback from me I will suggest that he or she checks in with you regularly for updates on work done. This is an opportunity for you to keep them in the loop as well as asking them for feedback on new behaviours you are trying or develop or initiatives that you are launching.
I am under supervision by another coach who performs quality assurance on my work. If I need to raise an issue from our sessions to get an alternative view or approach your identity will always be protected.
Tell me about quality assurance and supervision
I have quarterly supervision sessions. My supervisor is an executive coach, therapist and a CSA-accredited supervisor, with a background as an executive in the funds industry. If you want more information about my supervisor I will provide it on request.
What are others saying?
Dara has been working one-to-one with a number of my senior team over the last two years. He has steadily built their capability and as a result has accelerated their careers – some to the extent that they are now ready to assume even more responsibility. I highly recommend him.
Stephen Murphy, Head of Service Delivery, Circet Ireland & UK.
Dara has been working with key members of our team, equipping them with new levels of confidence and preparing them for the next levels of responsibility within our small organisation. His work has been seminal, both for the individuals concerned, and their contribution to our company’s future. I unreservedly recommend him as an empathetic coach who helps professionals clarify personal mission and vision, find and focus their mojo and, ultimately, make a difference.
Pádraic Gilligan, Managing Partner, SoolNua Marketing.
How do I sign up?
If you are interested in signing up you can read the following article which details the process from start to finish. You can also click on the link below to arrange a chat.
