Frequently Asked Questions

(including what is coaching)? The International Coaching Federation describes coaching as “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The results can be life changing. Clients often say they’ve created a new outlook on life – finding inspiration, courage, confidence, and answers to long-burning questions within themselves” (International Coaching Federation, n.d.). In the process of coaching, the coach provides client structure, support, and feedback. Leadership development coaching is one of several different types of coaching, which is an ongoing process focused on helping clients meet their developmental goals, such as building leadership competencies or effectively leading teams. It is a 3-step process, including evaluation, challenge, and support (Auerbach, 2001). The coaching process involves (1) the evaluation of strengths and opportunities for improvement along with the provision of formal assessments to create a leadership development plan; (2) sufficient and realistic challenge to foster growth related to identified goals; and (3) coach provision of support throughout the coaching process, such as ongoing feedback. 

• One-on-one coaching with a leadership development coach
• Telephone or Zoom appointments
• Possible brief homework assigned for further development
• Appointments scheduled 1-2 times a month
• 3-month duration with evaluation of progress
• After evaluation, decision to end or extend coaching services. Decide to either extend action plan deadlines or work on new goals.

• Orientation for new student clients
• Develop agreed upon contract/written agreement of what is to be accomplished
• Assessment(s) if needed
• Interpretation of assessment and feedback
• Leadership Development Plan (development, implementation, and evaluation)
• Ongoing coaching for structure and support on bi-weekly or monthly basis as indicated above
• Some opportunity for from feedback from others—such as stretch assignments, or possible 360-degree feedback incorporated in the leadership development plan
• Future follow-up

Appointments are scheduled for one hour. 

 There are many types of coaching, so it may be difficult to identify what type of coaching will best address your needs. Two of the primary types of coaching offered by the School of Labor and Employment Relations is career coaching and leadership development coaching. The similarities and differences between these two types of coaching will be explained here.