More About Coaching

What is executive and change coaching...? 

Coaching is effectively a structured conversation aimed at making progress on a goal or achieving clarity on a vexing question. Executive coaching is a type of coaching meant for those leading and managing in organizations (which turns out to be many people in many roles!). Change coaching is meant for people in times of change, which can be personal or professional, but is usually both.

What does coaching look like/feel like? 

A coaching engagement usually involves meeting by phone or Zoom for an hour every two to four weeks, depending on the client's goal, timeline and tasks outlined between sessions. Clients agree to meet for a core group of sessions (usually a minimum of six) to ensure there's time for progress, though a solid coaching process can last as few as three sessions or go on for years.  

The first few sessions focus on defining goals for the work and what the client has already explored; I will ask a few questions, or many, depending on the issue at hand, make observations and offer ideas of lenses through which the issue can be examined. 

The idea is to sort through what is coming up for the client and get that information into some structure that makes sense to act on. Each session should have some stated direction, as should the work we're doing together as a whole - though of course, that often shifts as the process unfolds. 

What type of coaching do you do? 

I offer executive and change coaching of all types. My training and experience are in both organization development and coaching, so I mostly work with people in organizations facing challenges themselves or with the groups in which they are engaged. Often this means I am working with people who are building, or rebuilding, organizations, which is my favorite type of coaching work.

What is your coaching style? 

My coaching style is flexible - every client is different, and my experience is also diverse, so my primary goal is to meet people where they are and get into whatever they want to get into in service of their goal. I try to be friendly and informal yet direct and directed. I have worked with all kinds of people in my career and love the variety of personalities, life circumstances and objectives that come up in coaching. 

"Melissa was extremely helpful when I found myself in completely unforeseen circumstances. She helped me find clarity about what kind of work I actually enjoy, what gives me satisfaction and what drives me to succeed. She steered me away from rash decisions I definitely would have regretted, but she did so by really listening to me and asking thoughtful follow-up questions that helped lead me to the right conclusions. I will be reflecting on some of the insight Melissa gave me for years to come."

 - Academic in transition, former coaching client

When do you coach? 

Coaching often happens during normal working hours, but many clients find it easier to talk before or after a standard work day so they are less distracted or obligated by other things. Others are across the country or the world - a "standard day" is in the eye of the beholder! With advanced planning, I can meet most times of day/U.S. Eastern or Central time. 

How long does coaching last? 

Each session is 60 minutes, and a typical coaching engagement occurs either over a period of months or on an ongoing basis, depending on the need. With most clients, an obvious end to the work, or a clear next piece of work, arrives as they achieve goals or new clarity about next steps. I currently offer a beginning package of six sessions and, after that, develop a path forward with clients based on their situations. 

What type of training do you have in coaching? 

My coaching training was at Georgetown University and master's work was in organization development at American University. I hold the International Coaching Federation's Associate Certified Coach (ACC) designation. Over the course of my career, I have worked in reporting, publication management, PR/communications, policy, crisis management and organization process - and sometimes in the combination of several of those! - and I bring those experiences to my coaching, as well. 

Do people find it effective? 

They do! I've worked with CEOs, VPs, mid-career leaders-in-development, and people trying to figure out their next steps in associations, government agencies and companies. Coaching is one of the best tools we have to help individuals trying to accomplish big things!