>>> What is a coach?

A coach is an individual who enables others to achieve results.
Coaches serve in a variety of roles:

• Mentors (teaches) - a basic coaching function is that of teaching or mentoring. It’s a cornerstone of the coaching role.
• Sponsors (advocates) - on and off the field coach sponsors, advocates, or runs interferences for his / her players. It could involve helping to access necessary resources or a promotion or reward for a participant. The coach can perform this function openly or behind the scenes.
• Counsels - the coach provides a sounding board for players desiring to test or refine their thinking about some aspects of their game.
• Create a motivational environment - the coach does not motivate, but rather provides an environment that allows each player personal motivation to come to its full petential.
• Communicate the rules - coach designs alliance with the clients helping them to understand the formal and informal success requirements.
• Provides perspective - in the heat of competition, a client can lose perspective and focus. From the side line, coaches often can see things that clients can not. The ability to help clients stay in touch with the “big picture” can make the difference between failure and success.

R. Roosevelt Thomas, Jr.
Coaching in the midst of diversity

LBI’s coaching process has two perspectives:

• inspiration
• information

LBI helps people to get better. We work with executives who are willing to make a sincere effort to change and who believe that this change will help them become better leaders.

LBI’s executive coaching sessions are done through face–to–face meetings, phone conversations, and e-mail exchanges. During the defined period of time (from 6 months to 18 months) the coach helps the indivdual clarify strenghts and potential blocks, provides perspective, gives feedback, and offers support.