Wondering what coaching actually looks like? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common questions leaders ask before starting coaching. And straightforward answers Marc gives from over 20 years of coaching experience.
“What exactly is coaching? Is it training?”
Great question. Many people come to coaching after taking courses or attending workshops.
- Training gives you information.
- Coaching gives you transformation.
Training tends to be one-way: you learn concepts and tools, maybe even a workbook. Coaching is a two-way process. You bring your real-world situations — what’s working, what’s not — and your coach helps you apply what you’ve learned in ways that fit your context.
You’ll come away not only knowing what to do, but understanding why it works and how to make it natural in your own words.
“So… will my coach tell me what to do?”
Not exactly. A coach isn’t a taskmaster or checklist-giver.
They don’t tell you, “Make 50 calls this week.” Instead, they help you think through how many calls to make, ways they fit in your schedule, why those calls matter, and what language best fits you and your clients.
That doesn’t mean it’s vague — far from it. You’ll leave each session with practical next steps you’ve shaped together, so they are your own plan, not someone else’s formula.
“What happens in a coaching session?”
Most clients meet twice a month for 45-60 minutes each time.
The rhythm is simple:
- Discuss what’s happened since the last call — what worked, what didn’t.
- Identify where you want to focus next.
- Experiment with language, frameworks, or situations that matter most to you.
- Monitor progress on your overall goals.
Between sessions, you try things out. Each time you meet with your coach, you refine and build on what you learned.
“Is it like therapy?”
No — though both involve reflection. Therapy often looks back to heal; coaching looks forward to act.
Coaching helps you notice patterns in how you think, communicate, and lead, so you can make conscious, intentional choices rather than habitual ones.
“Will I get homework?”
Yes — but not in the “school” sense.
You’ll leave each session with specific actions: conversations to try, messages to re-write, or a mindset to test.
If you’re someone who likes structure and worksheets, we have tools and templates to support you. But the emphasis is always on applying learning in your real world.
“How long does it take to see results?”
A year is optimal but six months can be a good starting point. It’s enough time to focus on a clear goal, practice new habits, and notice real change.
After that, many people continue for twelve months as they see how much their thinking and confidence expand.
We often say: “Six months builds momentum. Twelve months rewires how you lead.”
“What’s the difference between coaching and certification programs?”
Certifications and workshops immerse you in content — they’re terrific for learning frameworks and meeting peers. Coaching, by contrast, is deeply personal. It’s about how you use that knowledge in your own world.
Some people take a training first, then use coaching to help them integrate it. Others start with coaching and later decide to pursue training or certification. There’s no wrong order — they compliment each other and simply serve different purposes.
“What should I expect to feel at the end of a term of coaching?”
Most people describe greater clarity, confidence, and calm.
They notice they’re asking better questions, reacting less, and feeling more aligned with their values and voice.
It’s not a before-and-after transformation; it’s progress you can feel — and continue to build on.
Final Thought
Coaching isn’t about fixing you. It’s about partnering with you to bring out your best thinking and communication.
Whether your goal is to refine your sales conversations, lead with more confidence, or simply stop second-guessing yourself, coaching helps you get there faster — and with more self-awareness along the way.
