FAQs
Why should we hire an outside facilitator?
Because you are an expert in your business and not in facilitating. Many times leaders think they are better at guiding conversations and seminars than they really are. Often what you need is a new voice your team members will hear, someone to keep the conversation honest, someone to allow you to participate and observe rather than focusing on facilitating, and someone with the experience and training to guide the process with excellence.
You are hiring us to be experts in areas that you don’t have time to think about on a day-to-day basis.
Why should I hire an executive coach?
Because you want someone who helps you process important information and ideas; someone who is from the outside, objective, and confidential; someone who is an expert in areas other than your particular business; someone who provides a fresh perspective while focusing on listening to you; someone who holds you accountable to the behavioral commitments you make so that you can focus on the day-to-day realities of leading your organization; as well as someone who draws your attention to those areas that are important but not urgent – those factors that determine your long-term success.
What makes you different from other coaches and consultants?
My training, breadth of experience (ordained minister, college professor and administrator, entrepreneur, leadership developer, teambuilder, and human communication expert), and my willingness to challenge my clients to think carefully about their stated objectives and the behaviors required to reach those objectives.
My faith is an essential part of who I am and the perspective I bring to my work. My clients see that my faith influences our interactions and my commitment to their professional and personal success without being intrusive.
What do we need - multiple sessions or a one-time event?
Multiple sessions because real change takes place over time and we can best serve you and your team only once we get to know you and the specific challenges / opportunities you are facing.
One-time event when you only have a single opportunity for an outside presenter and a well-designed presentation to produce real change. The organization may need to provide follow-up to make sure that the practical applications stick and are implemented (or you can hire us to help you with that process as well).
What happens if your client has one agenda and you genuinely believe there is a better way to do things?
We make our case to our client and then, as long as the request is reasonable and one that we can fulfill, we provide what our client has requested. We are being hired by our client to serve his or her needs and that is the role we are happy to play.
Why don’t you charge by the hour?
What happens when I’m thinking at the same time about your needs and those of another client facing similar challenges? Do I bill both of you? How detailed will my records need to be? When I think about you in the shower (professionally, of course) where do I write down the time spent on those thoughts?
Simple answer: It doesn’t work to your benefit or mine.
Are there jobs you won’t accept? What organizations do you find to be most frustrating?
Yes, if we are asked to “fix” a person and that person is not on board with what is happening, then we can provide little value.
Any organization whose members see themselves as powerless to effect change either in their own lives or within the organization. We have little patience for helplessness and don’t see real value when the operating assumption is that nothing can be done to bring about meaningful change.
What is the focus of your work?
Behavioral change over time so that trajectory, both individually and corporately, is continually upward toward greater health and success.
We work with both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations. Our clients come primarily from small to medium-sized businesses, financial services, healthcare, education, and faith-based organizations. In addition, there is any number of organizations outside these areas for which we have done work (for example, the Ohio Clerk of Courts Association).
Are you willing to travel?
Yes. We serve clients as far away as Africa and South America, but most days are spent in the Midwest.