What is coaching?

From the International Coaching Federation:

“Professional coaches provide an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives. Coaches help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives.”

“Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to individual client needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the client; they believe the client is naturally creative and resourceful.”

When to use a coach?

After working in-house for a decade I appreciate how many projects and priorities marketing departments and associate development professionals juggle at one time. Inevitably there are too many lawyers and too few professional staff to provide one-on-one support to lawyers on a weekly basis.

And in the case of sole practitioners and small firms there are no in-house support staff available to provide assistance on some of the management challenges of running a legal practice.

This is where coaching comes in. The coach is available to provide one-on-one support to lawyers at a time when there is something important to achieve.

Here is a list of some of the typical reasons a firm might choose to hire a coach.

• There is something at stake (a challenge, stretch goal, or opportunity), and it is urgent, compelling, exciting, or all of the above
• There is a gap in knowledge, skills, confidence, or resources
• A big stretch is being asked or required, and it is time sensitive
• There is a desire to accelerate results
• There is a need for a course correction in work due to a setback
• One has not identified his or her core strengths and how best to leverage them
• There is a need and a desire to be better organized and more self-managing

In practical terms this might mean a new practice group is being launched. Or a lawyer wants to bring in more business but is missing some of the skills and knowledge required to make this happen. Or coaching might be required in order to support a training program and ensure the lawyers put into practice the lessons that were learned in the “classroom”.

Coaching accelerates progress because:

• it incorporates learning in action;
• plans are put into place;
• action is taken each week;
• professional guidance is offered,
• feedback is provided; and
• accountability is built in.

Coaching is designed to be self-generating so that the client learns and integrates the new behaviours, skills, and approaches into their practice, and no longer requires the support of a coach.

How long does it take?

The coaching engagement is structured to suit each client’s particular needs. Coaching engagements typically last a minimum of three months, the least amount of time it will generally take to achieve a significant goal. Coaching contracts will in most cases not exceed a year.

Clients meet with their coach typically two to four times a month, in person or on the phone. Shift Works clients prefer to meet in-person and so phone coaching is only done in exceptional circumstances. These meetings take on average between thirty minutes to an hour and a half. The first few meetings are longer, and meetings focused on business plan development can take up to two hours.

Between meetings clients communicate with their coach by email and phone as required.

In situations where less intense coaching is required, for instance when coaching is used in support of an associate training program, or when a coaching program is winding down, a coach may meet only once a month with the client.

Hiring a coach

Fit is crucial. It is advisable to take the time to interview a number of coaches.

Relationship is the foundation of coaching. The coach and client intentionally develop a relationship which is characterized by a growing and mutual appreciation and respect for each other as individuals. Coaches are trusted partners who are to be relied on for honest feedback, insight, and support.

Qualifications are also important.  Less than 20% of professionals offering coaching services have undertaken the training required to achieve accredited status.  When you work with a certified coach you are assured that you are partnering with a professional who abides by a code of ethical standards, follows an approved coaching process and is dedicated to serving clients with a high standard of expertise and insight

The International Coaching Federation (ICF) is the professional association for coaches internationally. You can visit them on-line at http://www.coachfederation.org. The site is a useful tool for learning more about the coaching profession. The site also has information about the profession’s accreditation process and about the code of ethics all ICF members adhere to.

“Many who call themselves coaches have not been formally trained in specific coaching skills and are transferring skill sets from other professions into their coaching. Often this results in an inadequate or ineffective coaching experience for clients.” International Coaching Federation