Business and Personal Coaching-
Who Needs It and other FAQ's

- Judith A. DeLapa

What do you mean by Business Executive Coaching, and who needs it?

Business Executive coaching is about any aspect of developing teams, managing or marketing a business and making a profit. Executive coaching includes but is not limited to:

Strategy and Strategic Planning
Communication
Marketing
Succession Planning
Executive, Leadership and Management Effectiveness
Effective Communication and Professional Effectiveness
Employee Retention
Organizational and Personal Development

How is Executive Coaching different from Business Consulting?

Executive Coaching is a collaborative strategic partnership that encourages a shift in who you are, what you do and how you do it. The coaching exchange maintains respect for you as an individual at all times and helps you move forward and have more of what you want from your life.

Business strategy consulting typically focuses on business processes, the corporate culture, faulty strategies, unproductive management practices, inefficiencies or conflicts. The consulting process begins with the broad identification of a business problem. In executive coaching, the client is responsible for doing the work. Conversely, in consulting, it is the work of the consultant to correct the problems.

What can you expect of me as your Executive Coach? Here's what you can expect:

100% confidentiality.
I'll put you, your needs, wants and concerns front-and-center during the entire time of our scheduled appointments
I am committed to an open, honest relationship characterized by the highest standards of business integrity
Provide a safe environment, encouragement, support - and challenges, during our coaching sessions
I will fully respect you and your expectation of total confidentiality
As a professionally trained executive coach I will broaden your vision, provide new insights and help you make new and important discoveries about yourself
I am committed to listen intently, be a sounding board, provide input when appropriate, yet allow you to develop your own solutions
Be a strategic partner with you as you achieve important goals and reach new heights.

What do I expect of my clients? I expect you to...

Make a commitment to coaching and scheduling/keeping your appointments
Take ownership for work to be done between coaching sessions
Commit to goals and the work required to achieve them
Be willing to change and do some things differently
Think creatively and be open to new ideas and opportunities
Be open with me about what is helpful and what is not
Conduct yourself with candor, openness and integrity.

How does a Business Executive Coach Work?

The successful business coach must - above all - be a person of competence and integrity. Without these qualities, coaching cannot and will not succeed. Generally, a face-to-face meeting, an in-depth phone conversation or a complimentary coaching session precedes any agreement to work together.

The purpose of the first meeting is for the client and the coach to evaluate whether a compatible working relationship seems possible. The coach will explain the fee structure and acceptable methods of payment. I coach either in person at my office or by telephone with the client initiating the call. Some executive coaches require a minimum commitment of three or six months. I prefer to work month-to-month and let clients decide when to end the coaching relationship.

What kinds of issues do coaches help clients with?

Determining whether to start a new business
Increasing profits of the business you already have
Improving interpersonal relationships
Assessments for leadership abilities
Career and professional transition
Work/life balance
Living within your means
Finding fulfillment in your life
Simplifying your life and preventing burn-out
Planning and preparing for your next big challenge

What else should I know about High-Impact Coaching?

High-Impact is totally committed to your success. I work primarily with high-achievers, such as yourself, between the ages of 25 and 55 years old, many of whom are driven and most of whom are already successful. Questions they often ask themselves include, "Is this all there is?" or "Why am I working this hard?" or "What happened to the time and energy I used to have for fun?"

I love what I do and I love working with the people I attract. They are smart. They are funny and they are ready for change. I help them to step back and take a long hard look at themselves. And then we go to work to restore balance, fulfillment, fun and joy to their lives.

We work in a spirit of partnership: confidentially, forthrightly, courageously and with sensitivity. I would consider it a privilege to work with you and help you maximize your potential and realize your dreams.

Make 2009 the year you invest in yourself. Make 2009 a masterpiece.

Small Business Strategy Consulting

"One of the best investments our start up nonprofit organization has made was to be coached by Judy DeLapa over the past few months. She has embraced our vision and, in a sense, has become a team member as she encourages, makes recommendations, and gives us honest feedback.

She has a professional, yet very personal, approach. I feel very comfortable sharing my fears, frustrations, and challenges with her. I found her to be caring and trustworthy. I learned quickly that I can be real with Judy because she is real with me. I often leave having been motivated and inspired to keep working at the challenges that a new organization faces. The coaching and consulting sessions have helped our organization to progress at a more accelerated pace and get out of the ruts we were in. Together we have set clear attainable goals and created a path to meet them. We are poised to move into 2006 with success!"

Not-For-Profit Co-Founder,
Stevensville, Michigan

Executive Coaching

"I just wanted to say that I had a very good productive few days since we met on Thursday. I have been in a much better mood and thinking about the outline of my book and the titles for chapters has really been motivating. Even though (confidential problem) may be a concern, I think it was helpful to recognize it and utter the words out loud. I just thought I would share that with you."

Development Director for Not-For-Profit,
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Leadership Coaching

"Working with Judy really helped me focus and set priorities in both my personal and professional life. Scheduling a specific period of time to work with someone who is going to hold you accountable and assist in keeping you on task is extremely beneficial. Working one-on-one with an executive coach helped me make time for learning and refining ways to become more organized and manage my time better."

Vice President, Kent County Development Exec.

Succession Planning

"I have greatly appreciated time spent with Judy DeLapa. What I like best about her coaching is that she creates an atmosphere where it is very comfortable for me to share the weaknesses and difficulties we are experiencing within our organization. She gives both positive and negative feedback that is honest and objective. Coaching sessions allow me to tackle large problems and break them down to manageable tasks. Working with Mrs. DeLapa, I feel that she has a desire to see my organization succeed as much as I do. Mrs. DeLapa's coaching and consulting has equipped me with tools that have allowed me to make necessary changes to move our organization forward."

Co-founder, New Entity, Southwest Michigan

Build A Business with Integrity

"I have been a client of Judy DeLapa for the past several months. In that short time, she has provided me with practical ideas which have already enhanced my presentation in the community and provided focus to many of my new job responsibilities. Ms. DeLapa uses our time very well and tailors each session to my needs as I move into new and challenging areas. There is nothing "canned" about her approach at all. I highly recommend High Impact Marketing Services. You will see immediate results."

Director, West Michigan NFP