Since 1997, I have provided an unconditional guarantee on coaching services from Action Learning Associates.
There is no “fine print.”
If you are not happy, then I do not want your money.
With many clients, I offer a coaching for results guarantee. If we agree to work together, and you do the work, then you can pay me at any time. I guarantee high value. To date, after hundreds of clients, 100% of them have paid for their coaching services. Some agreed to pay a lesser amount than we had expected. Some agreed to pay more. Virtually 100% found the coaching to be valuable.
Here is why I provide that guarantee. When I was in high school I had two paper routes. And I worked at a warehouse after school. And I cleaned windows and did lawns in the neighborhood. One neighbor wanted the windows cleaned. I said, “Yes of course.” It took about two days. Imagine sweaty grimy paper towels and windex. Three stories of filthy windows. Midsummer heat. I was tired… but I did my best to do the job. When the neighbor asked how much to pay me, I countered with, “Let me ask you two questions and then we will likely agree on a number.”
The first question was, “Were you delighted with the service I provided and would you hire me or refer me if the need arose again?” She said yes.
The second question was, “What was the value of this service for you?” She said a number that was higher than what I expected. I said thank you.
That was in 1981 or so… and I have used that process ever since.
Recently I learned that Marshall Goldsmith, a premier executive coach, uses a similar model when coaching for results. Here is that model:
Our coaching tracks the proven eight-step process:
- Select the appropriate coach
- Measure baseline performance
- Identify areas for skills development
- Formulate a custom training regimen
- Secure stakeholder buy-in
- Implement the training regimen
- Follow up with stakeholders
- Measure results