Frequently Asked Questions

Executive Coaching

Why work with a Certified Coach?

As you interview potential coaches, ask if they are a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) or are working towards certification. The ICF is an independent organization that certifies coaches. If so, they have consented to a strict code of ethics and confidentiality that prevents them from divulging your company’s secrets. An ICF-certified coach should never identify a client without their permission. (You can also go to ICF to verify whether a coach is certified.)

The ICF provides three levels of certification for the coaching profession: Associate Certified Coach (ACC), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), and Master Certified Coach (MCC). Each level has specific requirements, including accredited training hours, client coaching hours, letters of recommendation from accredited coaches, and an oral exam. Make sure any additional coach-specific training received is from an ICF-accredited coach training school, too.

What’s the difference between coaching and consulting?

A consultant is usually an expert in a specific industry or business discipline who will provide answers to questions and recommend business strategies and programs for you. Their expertise is generally based on personal perspective as well as professional experience.

Accredited coaches have solid training and knowledge based on decades of research, human behavior insights, business discipline, and proven methodologies. Additionally, the ideal coaches are also former consultants who have a deep business background. The combination of hands-on professional experience and training makes for a very powerful and effective combination!

A talented coach will ask probing questions to bring out your unique abilities, understand underlying personal factors, help you create a vision and action plan for the future, and provide ongoing support. A coach holds you accountable for what you say you’ll do, gives you a push to do more than you would do on your own, and helps you overcome limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from success.

What’s the difference between coaching and therapy?

A therapist focuses on your past and delves into emotional and relationship issues. Like coaches, credible therapists require specialized training and must be accredited by formal education and professional practice.

A coach also has specialized training, but that array of practice is intended to help clients focus on their professional future, move beyond feeling “stuck,” and achieve meaningful change. They are your accountability partner in career success, helping you fully realize your passion, values, talents, and strengths. 

I’m considering hiring a coach. How do I start?

The process begins with a complimentary and confidential Introductory call. We’ll discuss the need(s) during this call and mutually determine if the client and services are a good fit. If we agree, we can determine a regular coaching time, complete the contract, and set up payment terms.

Please contact us for further details.

How does coaching work?

Clients have their coaching session via online conference call about once a week (or once every other week) for 50 minutes. Clients have a recurring appointment that generally falls on the same day and time each week.

While most appointments are done via online meetings, we are also happy to meet once a month in person. You can also request in-person sessions, which will take place near our office in Kirkland. 

Between sessions, we offer support through email, text, and phone when needed.

How long do clients typically work with their coach?

Many of our clients begin by committing to a nine-session coaching package. Decades of experience with hundreds of clients have proven that critical new behaviors and strategies we help put into practice produce can be fully understood and embraced in this time. (This may vary depending on your situation.) We are with you for that journey.

Many successful entrepreneurs and senior-level executives find that coaching is the key to unlocking excellent long-term performance, learning, achievement, and satisfaction. You may also choose to go longer or work with us on a continuing basis if you wish.

What are the costs?

Rates will vary depending on the number of coaching sessions purchased and the number of people receiving coaching services. Please contact us for further details.

How can I be sure my confidential information is safe with you?

As members of the International Coach Federation (ICF), we maintain strict confidentiality in dealing with your business and personal information.

Archer & Associates policies also ensure compliance with the stringent privacy and security practices of our corporate clients. These can be addressed as part of your initial consultation, please let us know if you have specific questions.

Career Coaching

I’m considering hiring a career coach. How do I start?

The process begins with a complimentary and confidential Introductory call. We’ll discuss your situation and professional need(s) during this call. Once we mutually determine Archer & Associate services are a good fit to help you achieve your goals, we’ll complete a contract, and set up payment terms, and begin the process.

Please contact us for further details.

How long do clients typically work with their career coach?

Many of our clients begin by committing to a nine-session coaching package. Decades of experience with hundreds of clients have proven that critical new behaviors and strategies we help put into practice produce can be fully understood and embraced in this time. (This may vary depending on your situation.) We are with you for that journey. 

What are the costs?

Rates will vary depending on the number of coaching sessions purchased. Services for resume and LinkedIn (re)writing/refreshing are also available for an additional fee.

Please contact us for further details.

Do you assist with job search or placement?

While Archer and Associates does not assist with your job search, we often will have suggestions regarding networking or people you may wish to connect with. We do offer Interview Prep and Salary Negotiation conversations when a client is in interview or salary discussion mode.

Workshops

What are the costs?

Rates will vary depending on the topic customization, type of audience participation, and length of the workshop. Please contact us for further details. 

Meeting Facilitation

How does meeting facilitation work?

Meeting facilitation is handled in three stages:

• Pre-meeting prep – this is a discovery stage to ascertain and align on meeting goals and desired outcomes
• Meeting implementation – this is the time period during which the meeting occurs. It may be a few hours or across multiple days. The facilitator helps guide discussion and key points to ensure goals and outcomes are achieved while making sure participants are able to “speak up” and “be heard” in a positive and constructive manner.
• Post-meeting debrief – the facilitator regroups with the meeting leader to discuss what was discussed, what was observed, and summarize results for actionable next steps.

How long is needed for meeting facilitation?

The length of time for meeting facilitation will depend on the topic, the number of people participating, and the desired outcomes. Please contact us to discuss your specific needs.

What are the costs?

Rates will vary depending on the number of people participating and length of the meeting. Please contact us for further details.