Frequently Asked Questions

The following “frequently asked questions” have been compiled from inquiries through our website and from the field. Please realize that this format requires that we make each question somewhat generic . . . so, too, are the answers. We encourage you to call or email if you believe your situation is unique. We deliberately maintain a flexible and open environment and welcome questions, suggestions, and interactions with our clients, colleagues, and friends.

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1. What does executive coaching entail and why would we be interested?

2. I want to get training in sales. What can you provide for me?

3. What is your association with Zig Ziglar?

4. How can I get certified in the MBTI® or other instruments you use?

5. I understand that you do a great deal of organizational consulting using the MBTI®. Why do you use that particular instrument instead of some of the others?

6. Motivation and morale has become a big problem in our organization. Can you help?

7. I am already a consultant and interested in working for your company. What should I do?

8. I hear that breaking into corporate consulting is more difficult than breaking into acting! Can you help me with how to market myself to companies?

9. What is the cost of an initial consultation to talk about our organizational or people challenges?

10. What does it cost to use your services for our organization?

11. Do you ever discount pricing for your services?

12. What is your association with John C. Maxwell and Maximum Impact?

What does executive coaching entail and why would we be interested? Back to Top
“Executive coaching” typically refers to a one-on-one developmental relationship with a corporate or organizational executive (i.e. CEO, president, vice president). The old adage that it is lonely at the top is based upon real truth. It is also true that in some fast-growing industries, executive-level talent made it to the top very quickly . . . sometimes without the depth of experience that is often assumed to be at the helm of an organization. In any case, everyone can benefit from continued development, someone who will provide them with the unvarnished and unbiased truth, and an outside coach or mentor. And these are all benefits, in addition to many others, that come from the executive coaching relationship.

Every coaching relationship looks different but often includes assessment, developmental planning, problem solving, troubleshooting organizational issues, coaching, and just plain old support . . . which can sometimes be hard to find at the executive level of the organization. We also have coaching relationships with mid- and senior-level managers as well as other individuals in the organization whose specific circumstances would benefit from a one-on-one focus. Please see our services page for more details.
 

I want to get training in sales. What can you provide for me? Back to Top
We have several different solutions for increasing sales capabilities. These include both pre-developed, but flexible, programs such as those produced by Ziglar Training Systems™ and custom workshops by our consultants who specialize in this area. Delivery options for sales training include onsite workshops and a limited number of public seminars for the individual. In addition one-on-one coaching is available. Please contact us for information specific to your needs or see our services page.

What is your association with Zig Ziglar? Back to Top
Zig Ziglar and the people at Ziglar Training Systems™ are treasured friends and colleagues. We have consultants who are certified by Ziglar Training Systems™ to deliver Ziglar Training products. In addition, we are able to sell Ziglar materials, arrange for a Ziglar speakers, and sell tickets to Ziglar events. Because of their quality, the Ziglar products are a greatly valued part of our overall toolbox for serving our clients.

 

How can I get certified in the MBTI® or other instruments you use? Back to Top
This answer, of course, depends on the instrument and your education and experience. We are happy to give you the basic information and recommend a qualifying workshop suited to your needs. We can also usually arrange for onsite qualification for groups of internal trainers. But keep in mind that formal qualification in an assessment instrument doesn’t automatically prepare you to use it with people or in organizations. Used inappropriately, assessment instruments can do more harm than good. So, if you don’t already have extensive organizational consulting or counseling experience, make a deliberate plan to supplement the qualification process with additional preparation. Applications workshops for the instruments are a common request of our consultants and many of us love this type of “train-the-trainer” work. Please contact us for more information.
 

I understand that you do a great deal of organizational consulting using the MBTI®. Why do you use that particular instrument instead of some of the others?  Back to Top
The MBTI® is actually one of many, many assessments that are used by our consultants. However, when the situation calls for an assessment that addresses issues like those targeted by MBTI®, it is true that it is usually our first choice. This is based upon factors surrounding the soundness and quality of the instrument. Although the reasons behind this are somewhat complex, it really comes down to the fact that the MBTI® is based upon over 50 years of very sound and ongoing research. It is the most valid and reliable personality instrument available today. And corporate America knows this. Due to its success when used appropriately, it is used by over 70% of Fortune 500 companies.

Motivation and morale has become a big problem in our organization. Can you help?

Back to Top
Very often, we can. Decreased motivation and morale are a common initial complaint that indicates something else is going on. Our first step is to determine what that real problem is . . . the source of the symptom. That answer is different for every client and depends upon a large number of possible factors such as culture, management decisions, organizational structure, and so on. Likewise, the solution(s) we may recommend vary greatly and may range from the simple to the very complex. We would encourage you to contact us so that we may discuss the factors specific to your situation.
 

I am already a consultant and interested in working for your company.    What should I do?  Back to Top
We keep an active database of resumes/credentials of organizational consultants around the country, and this is our first resource when we need to add to our team. We would be happy to add your information to our database. Please mail it to our Corporate Sales Office at 16316 Nation Road, Kearney, MO 64060 or email it to Bonnie@characterofexcellence.com.

I hear that breaking into corporate consulting is more difficult than breaking into acting! Can you help me with how to market myself to companies? Back to Top
We get this question on almost a weekly basis and are always happy to hear from other professionals in our field. The corporate consulting world can be tough to break into as well as unforgiving, but we admit that we love the challenge! We have poured a vast amount of time and financial resources into finding out what works, and we continue to learn on a daily basis. This issue has become a specialty area of our overall coaching services. Please contact us to discuss further and receive a proposal for services that is specific to your needs.

 

What is the cost of an initial consultation to talk about our organizational or people challenges? Back to Top
There is almost never a cost for an initial consultation. These are an integral part of our business and give both parties the opportunity to determine whether we may be good partners in addressing the issues. If both of us want to proceed, we then will provide you a detailed proposal of services customized to your needs.

What does it cost to use your services for our organization? Back to Top
I wish there were an easy answer to that question! Since 90% of our service delivery is custom work, only a small part of our services actually have set pricing . . . and even that is often flexible. Pricing is per project and depends upon the projected time investment of our people as well as other pertinent factors. We are always happy to discuss this and/or provide a proposal for services that are specific to your situation. All of our proposals contain detailed pricing information.

Do you ever discount pricing for your services? Back to Top
Yes, we do. There are certainly factors for which we reduce our daily or hourly fees. This is always dependent upon the particular situation. Two common factors that may cause discounting are type of client (i.e.: public school, non-profit organization) and volume of work (i.e. contract for services is long or for a large quantity of work). In some cases, we have an individual consultant who will voluntarily discount his or her fees for specific purposes or industries that the consultant personally supports. Occasionally we are simply not able to meet your budgetary needs but we always, always welcome the conversation.

What is your association with John C. Maxwell and Maximum Impact? Back to Top

As with Zig Ziglar and the people at Ziglar Training Systems™, we have consultants who are certified by Maximum Impact® to deliver training products via both public and corporate workshops. In addition we have John C. Maxwell's books, workbooks, DVDs and other products in our online store, we book speaking engagements for him or other Maximum Impact speakers, and we assist clients in becoming a host site or attending Maximum Impact simulcasts and other global events.
 

 

 

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