Inside the Mind of a Coach
Interview with Yvonne Saunders Business and Life coach

What is the first thing you tell a new client when you meet, and why?
From the start I explain that it is you who decides what your coaching is going to be about. ‘What can I help you with?’ is normally my first question and then we take it from there. Some coaches ask clients to fill out questionnaires and tests before they talk.  This works too, only personally I believe it is important to show right away that it is I who will adapt, not the client. It’s their agenda that’s applied to the entire coaching.

It’s important that clients know that time spent with a coach is for them. Clients need to know they are with a friend who is on their side, who will push, question and demand more of them. This is because coaching often goes into issues other than what the client might first suspect. This happens when subconscious fears or values come to the surface which may have lain dormant for some time. Trust in their coach becomes vital if they are to examine, explore and empower themselves to face fears.

For instance, if you were to come to me because of a difficult situation at work, we may talk about it generally at first and then I would ask, ‘Alright, but what is this really all about?’ It may become apparent that your unclear communication with your work-mates is a result of your fundamental low self-esteem, and then your coaching could focus here. A lot of my work deals with my clients’ self-esteem and self confidence, raising these solve much more at the same time, sometimes completely unexpected things. For example, looking at a fear of public speaking may inadvertently solve another fear, say of asking for a pay rise. Once your self confidence rises, you begin to realise you are free to achieve so much more.

How does it feel to have an inhibition or fear in you disappear?
It makes me incredibly happy, I get that way each time a profound internal change takes place in people; that light bulb moment. I received an e-mail from a lady who read an article on my web site (www.121businesscoach.com) The article was on affirmations or positive thinking. Having created a positive affirmation for herself (based on confidence) she was able to ask her boss for a pay rise which she had never been able to do before. Something happened to her. She learned to listen inward, as opposed to outward – this is one of the most important keys to feeling good about yourself.”

Should I or those close to me worry about my coaching?
Others who have undergone coaching have left their jobs or filed for divorce…
You do hear all sorts of stories involving life coaches, which is why it is very important to find a qualified coach.  You will find “Choosing the Coach for you” helpful, available on the RTN website.

Clients do move overseas, sell their businesses, divorce, move and resign from their jobs, even if such matters had not been the original issue. “For instance, I once coached a woman with regards to a salary negotiation who some time later said, ‘I have now separated from my husband’. Coaching explores options for you, identifies what changes need to be made in your life and at times, that means that your situation is effected. The only people who should be worried are those who may seek to control you, as the coaching experience sees you emerge a stronger, more confident individual.

How long does the coaching process take?
My job really is to ‘phase myself out’. At the beginning of the relationship, my role is encouragement and support. Once you have experienced the coaching relationship (4 to 6 sessions), you understand the principles and start coaching yourself. You learn how to identify options for yourself and make constructive choices instead of being a victim of circumstance. You learn to take control of those things that you actually can. You will have also identified what your values, beliefs and strengths are which will have helped you reach greater understanding or achieve your life goals.

Next issue, we will be looking at areas a business coach could work with you on and what outcomes you could expect? How much it all costs and some self help tips. If you would like to send any questions you have about this article, or business coaching in general, to 121 business coach, they would be delighted to answer them. Email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or call them on Tel: 965 744 015 or visit their web site for some great free tips. All information will be treated in a private and confidential manner.