Frequently asked questions

Professional coaches are trained to listen and observe, to customize their approach to the individual client’s needs, and to elicit strategies and solutions from clients. Coaches are also trained to use various tools to help accelerate the process. We believe that our clients are naturally creative and resourceful, and that our job is to provide support to enhance their skills, resources, and creativity. While coaches provide feedback and an objective perspective, our clients are responsible for taking the steps necessary to produce the results they desire.

Coaches are trained to listen on a different level than is typical in a conversation with a friend or colleague. We are trained to listen beneath the words. We use tools and techniques designed to move you ahead purposefully. We ask powerful questions. We use exercises that help generate new, dynamic thoughts. And we will give you materials to read, homework to do, and assignments to complete.

People who really want to live their best life hire coaches—people who realize that this is not a dress rehearsal, and want to make the most of their life and career. The person who hires a coach is often already successful, but wants more. Coaching can help you find more success, joy, love, passion, money—and sometimes less stress, work, distractions, obstacles, and self-sabotage.

Choosing your coach can feel like a daunting task. Because all of The McAloon Group’s coaches are certified and experienced, you can be sure you’re hiring a top-notch professional. But we’ve found that the best way to decide if a coach is right for you is to simply have a conversation with him or her. The most important factor is that you feel comfortable with your prospective coach.

Executive/leadership coaching:

• CEOs, executives, managers, and other professionals

Organizational/team coaching:

• Human resources departments interested in hiring external coaches
• Companies looking to launch a coaching initiative
• Companies intending to train their managers to be coaches
• Companies that want to launch an initiative to prevent and/or cure burnout
• Companies interested in coaching workshops
• Companies that want the support of a coach for strategic planning, process re-engineering; creating a compelling vision; launching and developing teams; or 360-degree reviews

Career transition coaching:

• People with a big career decision to make
• People in a corporate job or considering one
• People who need help deciding whether or not to stay in a corporate job
• People in the midst of a career transition
• People who would like to work with a coach familiar with such issues as changing expectations of employees and employers; trends in the workplace; values, loyalty, and security; evaluation criteria for your company, future, or career satisfaction; determining readiness to strike out on your own or look for another career

Entrepreneur coaching:

• New and established entrepreneurs
• Owners and managers of small companies
• Start-up companies (actual or planned)
• Professionals in private practice
• People who run a business from their home
• Executives considering leaving their companies and launching a business

Sales coaching:

• Salespeople and sales managers at all levels
• Small-business owners

First, we agree on a mutually convenient time to talk about why you would like to pursue coaching. Evening hours are available; special hours for international clients are no problem. You initiate the phone call. The coach will ask you some questions and together you determine whether or not coaching is right for you. For more information, fill out our free sample session request form and we’ll contact you within 48 hours (business days).

It’s always a little difficult to start something new—particularly something so important and personal. The feedback we hear is that people feel immediately at ease when they talk to a coach and realize that he or she is just another human being: a person who is cheering you on; an advocate who doesn’t judge you. We are trained specifically to help you find and live your most fulfilling life, and are honored that you include us in your journey.

There is no obligation or high-pressure sales pitch with the call. We want to work with people who are enthusiastic about coaching. Trying to convince someone that coaching is for them doesn’t work.

Coaching can take place on the phone or in person. However, most coaching takes place over the phone. You can be comfortable in your own home. You have quiet and privacy there. You don’t have to run to an appointment. Just pick up your phone. Coaches are trained to listen so that coaching over the telephone is very effective. It doesn’t matter where you live—The McAloon Group can coach you.

All coaches working with The McAloon Group have completed basic and advanced training at a top-tier coaching institute accredited by the International Coach Federation. Each has come to coaching with significant experience and accomplishment in his or her areas of expertise. (Read more about Elizabeth McAloon’s training and professional background.)