Frequently Asked Questions

Mentors are skilled at helping guide people through decision-making and navigating through internal politics. But, they often share ideas that are based only on their own personal experiences. An external coach can provide a wealth of deep expertise in helping people at all levels develop their skills across organizations and industries, as well as up and down the leadership pipeline. Additionally, people tend to be more comfortable opening up about their needs and questions with someone external to the organization.

Each organization is unique, just as each person is unique. However, organizations, like people, fall into certain patterns in their culture, structure, ways of doing things, and people dynamics. I have extensive training in conflict management and more than 25 years of experience in working with people dealing with conflict in diverse organizations, from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 corporations.

Knowing people’s ability to handle situations they have already encountered does not necessarily translate to how they will address new situations or perform in a different environment. Leadership assessment looks at how people will handle roles and challenges they have not faced in the past. Even with highly seasoned candidates, assessment can give an objective look at how well their styles will fit in the context of the organization and its culture.

People are often reluctant to give candid feedback if they think it will get someone in trouble or keep them from getting promoted or getting a raise. They might fear retaliation or legal action. In some cases, organizations have instituted policies to limit the release of reference information on current or past employees. Also, people tend to shy away from using the extreme ends of a rating scale, even if the highest or lowest score would be appropriate. When everyone gravitates toward the middle of the scale, it becomes difficult to separate the strong performers from the weaker ones.

Past performance is relevant and can predict future performance at the same tasks. However, Talent Reviews are most effective when they include an objective third-party perspective on how people will perform in broader, more complex roles that will be needed to meet your organization’s future challenges.

You know them well based on their current and past roles, but you have not yet seen them in your role. I can bring an objective, third-party perspective on the strengths they bring and the barriers to their performance at your level. Having such information will help you make a fully informed decision and gain the buy-in and support from the rest of the organization.

You know them well based on their current and past roles, but you have not yet seen them in your role. I can bring an objective, third-party perspective on the strengths they bring and the barriers to their performance at your level. Having such information will help you make a fully informed decision and gain the buy-in and support from the rest of the organization.

Partnering with a career coach can help you build the confidence necessary to tackle the job market and find a career situation that fits for you. The first step is to identify where your interests and skills lie. I use career assessment inventories to help you define what areas to pursue. Then we build a job search strategy. Applying for anything and everything can be frustrating and ultimately unproductive. Focusing your efforts on realistic job search techniques will move you forward in a productive way. You also need specific tools, such as a different resume and cover letter for each career direction you pursue. I can also help you learn how to interview effectively by presenting your strengths and your development areas in a manner that helps employers see why you would be a good fit for their organizations. Lastly, ensuring that you have support during your career search journey will help you to stay motivated and on track toward a career that fits for you.

Each person’s situation is unique. However, if your schedule permits, you can finish the career assessment inventories and feedback in as few as three weeks. Building your career search strategy and job hunting “toolkit” (e.g., resumes, cover letters, how to interview, etc.) typically takes two to four weeks, depending on what tools you may already have that can be built upon. For some people, that is enough to launch them in their career search. Most people choose to engage in some on-going support during their career search. I often see people every week or two to help them remain motivated and focused.

Regardless of how well you are performing in your job today, doing more of the same things often is not enough to get you promoted. Because the next level position will present different types of challenges and require different skills to meet those challenges, you need a new strategy. I can help you identify and build the skills needed for the next level. And learn to promote yourself in a way that makes you visible, but does not make you uncomfortable.

Eating healthy food, exercising, and getting enough sleep are definite stress relievers. But, there is more to it than that. I can help you work through the issues that cause you stress and help you find new ways of addressing them so your overall stress level is lower. Then, the healthy habits you practice will make you feel even better.

Each organization is unique, just as each person is unique. However, organizations, like people, fall into certain patterns in their culture, structure, ways of doing things, and people dynamics. I have extensive training and 25 years of experience in working with many diverse organizations, from small, family-owned businesses to Fortune 100 corporations. Learning what to look for and how to take care of yourself amidst office politics can make or break your career and help you move from misery to contentment.

People get different things from counseling, but some things are pretty universal. You can expect to be listened to and heard, as well as respected and encouraged to be good to yourself. You can also expect support and candor. Please contact me to discuss further.

Some issues may take only a few sessions to address, while others may require more intensive and longer-term support. We will go at your pace. Call to talk with me about your specific issues and I can give you a better idea of the timeline.

Cost is dependent on the number of sessions involved. Call me to discuss your specific situation so we can determine what the fees will be.

We all go through hard times. Counseling can be a helpful place to get support through those hard times. It can also be a safe place to tackle difficult issues when you are ready. And it absolutely does not mean you are crazy.

Yes, sometimes people have had bad experiences in the past and are gun-shy about trying counseling again. While completely understandable, finding the right counselor can make all the difference. Oftentimes couples have found that counselors seemed to side with one person. That rarely works. Much of the value of counseling lies in the relationship between the counselor and the client(s). Meeting at least once can give people a good sense of whether they think they will benefit from counseling. If it does not feel right, then it probably will not be a good fit.

If your partner is vehemently set against it, then couples counseling is unlikely to work. However, you might benefit from individual counseling. Talking with me about your situation can give you guidance on how to proceed.