FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHAT IS COACHING?

Coaching, as a profession, is a relative newcomer to the field of inter-personal help and support. In the 1980's, many large companies began to train some of their most skilled, experienced managers specifically to serve as mentors to younger colleagues. In addition, top executives, entrepreneurs and business owners sought out coaches to overcome the 'loneliness at the top'. The coaching movement soon spread beyond business as special individuals brought their talents and experiences to collaborative relationships in education, community groups, politics, parenting and many other areas of human interactions. 

Some confusion exists today as to just exactly what a coach does, and how - or whether - coaching works. To begin with, let's look at what coaching IS NOT: 

• Coaching is not therapy. Therapists diagnose unhealthy dysfunction and prescribe and/or practice methods of treatment. 
• Coaching is not consulting. Again, consultants are problem solvers and advice givers.

The role of the coach is much different than that of therapist or consultant and will assist to: 

• Find Solutions. A coach can help you evaluate the pros and cons of possible solutions to find the best one. 
• Reduce Your Stress Level. Learn how to manage your responsibilities, achieve your goals, and enjoy life more. Learn to feel
   less overwhelmed, more focused, and energetic.
• Achieve Balance. Overwhelmed by daily demands and responsibilities? A coach can help you to develop and implement a
   plan to succeed in all of your roles from parent to spouse to employee. 
• Strengthen Relationships. A coach can be the catalyst to improve communication, deepen connections, and simply enjoy
   all relationships in the family.

Now let's look at what a coach IS:

• A coach helps uncover under-used strengths and abilities.
• A coach is a peer and a partner of the healthy client.
• A coach acts as a sounding board.
• A coach brings his or her unique experiences to the client, but only as an example, not as an answer. 
• A coach acts as an accountability agent for the client.
• A coach asks penetrating, direct questions to help the client clarify his or her process.
• A coach provides perceptions, observations and options.
• A coach acts as catalyst for the client's own solutions, decisions and actions.

The unique and critical component of the coach/client relationship is the client's responsibility for supplying the agenda that the two will work on together. It is the healthy client who is in charge. Central to an effective coach's approach to his or her client is the firm belief that the client holds all the answers and is ultimately capable and responsible for their own success. 

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WHAT IS A HOME CONTRACT AND HOW DOES IT WORK?

A Plan For Incentive, Responsibility And Accountability

At NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® we believe the Home Contract, and the family acceptance of the principles behind it, can be the single most important resource to assist families. Most families initially think of the Home Contract as just a new set of rules. This is not the case. One of the most important factors of a Home Contract is that areas of incentive, responsibility and accountability are clearly defined. At NEXT STEP we incorporate the "Do To Get" philosophy.

Areas of concern and potential situations that might be encountered are anticipated and defined objectively. At the same time consequences to be imposed for infractions are also clearly defined. The basic belief that we need to give our children choices, and then let them experience the consequences of those choices, is inherent in the Home Contract. 

Home Contracts are detailed and specific. They are also living documents. Any areas not defined in the Home Contract that arise in the home are generally handled with a warning for the first time and then added to the Contract for subsequent occurrences. Alternatively, accomplishing certain defined objectives may result in a renegotiated Contract that is less demanding.

Families who have set up the agreements in advance, with all family members knowing what will happen if non-compliance occurs, are providing their teen or young adult with opportunities to grow and mature. They are saying, “We believe you are ready to handle choices and responsibilities". And as they demonstrate this maturity and growth, more and more freedom of choice may be given.

The Home Contract is a proven and effective tool, supported by on-going coaching, in bringing safety, predictability and accountability. It is designed to address areas of concern whether in the early teens or moving into young adulthood. Addressing areas of concern for the teen or young adult, the Home Contract will:

1.   Provide a documented plan for success.
2.   Assist family in establishing a basis for negotiation and agreements.
3.   Provide an objective means of determining whether the teen or young adult is genuinely motivated to establish a more
      responsible way of behaving.
4.   Assist the family in setting boundaries.
5.   Provide an opportunity to know exactly what is and is not expected.
6.   Empower with clearly defined choices and consequences.
7.   Provide a plan for the teen or young adult to take increasing responsibility without losing track of the standards and values
      of the family.
8.   Empower parents to maintain control of the home environment
9.   Give the family an objective standard to gauge how well the child is living within the agreements.
10. Provide opportunities for the teen or young adult to experience affirmation and positive recognition.
11. Provide a plan for the young adult to move towards independence and self-management.
12. Provide the young adult with a support system.

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ABOUT PAYPAL

NEXT STEP FOR SUCCESS® and Ever Higher LLC have contracted through PayPal to accept VISA and MasterCard credit cards, and bank debit cards.

PayPal offers a secure and expedient way to pay. All transactions are confirmed by email and will appear on your credit card bill or debit statement as: PayPal "EVERHIGHER".

To take advantage of the easy payment options provided by PayPal, please follow the steps below:

1. Click on the PayPal logo below.
2. The Ever Higher LLC account payment page will appear.
3. 'ITEM' is one of the following services:
        a. NSFS Coaching Services
        b. NSFS Coach Training Course 
4. Fill in amount to be paid.
5. If you have an active PayPal account, access it with your email address. 

6.  If you do not have a PayPal account, click on 'continue' button down by the credit card logos to complete transaction. You are not required to establish an account in order to pay online.
7. Complete transaction by providing the credit card or debit card information.