US Coach Policies
The Policies document is updated periodically as we learn better ways to work together. It complements the Coach Certification
Agreement and if appropriate, is cross referenced to sections in that Agreement. In the event there is a conflict between what this
Policy Document says and the Agreement, the agreement takes priority.
Partner Program Use Charges. Partners are provided one demonstration instance of the software to be used only for sales
and marketing efforts by the Partner’s coaches. No services for clients should be performed using the demonstration
instance. If you need an instance of the Six Disciplines Software for your organization’s operations, standard fees apply.
Computer competency/skill test It is critical that a Coach can do data entry in our system at a fairly rapid pace and talk at
the same time. Each Coach will need to demonstrate this proficiency as part of the presentations conducted during Coach
Training.
Face-to-Face Coaching Requirements. Our program depends on face to face coaching and in building trusted relationships.
Based on our experience we recommend a minimum of four (4) face to face coaching sessions per year for the Senior Team
as well as similar sessions for the other levels of leadership of an organization where applicable.
Stakeholder Surveys. Six Disciplines will survey Partners (Partner Satisfaction Survey) and Partners’ clients (Client
Satisfaction Survey) on a periodic basis, typically during the fourth calendar quarter.
Client Elects to Change Partners or Coaches. Client relationships shall be managed proactively and professionally. Corporate
will not intervene in the event a Client decides to switch Partners or Coaches. Client account management is the Partner’s
responsibility but Coaches and Partners are expected to negotiate in good faith to come to an agreement that has the best
interests of the client in mind. If such an agreement cannot be reached, Corporate reserves the right to work directly with a
client in the event a satisfactory partner and/or coach relationship cannot be established.
Hardware Requirements. Each Coach and Client user must have a Windows capable computer and a copy of Microsoft
Outlook 2007 or later in order to install and use the Six Disciplines Outlook Edition.
Event Requirements. Each participant of an Event (e.g. Planning Retreat) must have a Windows capable computer that has
the Six Disciplines Software installed for use during such event. The Coach also needs to have the necessary audio-visual and
other equipment available that is necessary to facilitate an event. (Note: computers may be provided by either the Coach or
Client)
System Admin. A System Admin is a member of the client’s organization who has taken additional training on the Six
Disciplines Execution System. The SysAdmin assists the Coach with administration tasks included setting up users and
password changes, survey administration and technical support for users. This role may not be appropriate for every client,
but as you drive both breadth and depth of usage in a client organization the need for such a role increases.
Dedicated Client Coach. In larger client organizations it may be appropriate to have an individual inside the organization
dedicated to coaching. This individual would work in conjunction with the Professional Coach. Dedicated coach would
typically work with lower levels of the organization, while the external coach would work with higher levels of the
organization.
Initial Training and Certification (Steps)
1. Establish a sponsorship relationship with a Partner
2. Complete a Coach Agreement
3. Pay the Initial Training Fee
4. Receive email credentials to the Portal and complete self-paced learning
5. Submit video validation for authorization to attend Coach Training
6. Schedule training and successfully complete instructor led onsite Coach Training
7. Have a Certified Coach assist/oversee you doing two implementations (OR)
8. Video your first two client implementations for Review by corporate (OR)
9. Contract with Corporate to have a Trainer attend your first implementation
10. Receive Certification (assuming competence is demonstrated)
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Ongoing Coach Certification
To remain certified a coach within our network, the follow annual criteria must be met:
1. Actively coach at least one (1) client on the Six Disciplines Program.
2. Achieve a client satisfaction rating of 8.0 or higher for the senior leader (CEO, President, etc.) on the annual Six
Disciplines Client satisfaction survey. Survey will be counted for any client that has been on the program for more
than three full quarters.
3. Complete annual Ongoing Coach Training covering changes to the Program.
4. At Corporate request, submit a video of a client coaching session
If Certification is allowed to expire, a coach must take the latest training at full fees in order to recertify.
Ongoing Coach Training We occasionally provide updated training for our Program and as a result we ask each Coach to
attend training as scheduled by corporate related to modifications/enhancements to the existing Program or prior to a new
Program release. Most training updates will be provided through the internet but there is the possibility a coach would
occasionally be required to travel to Findlay, OH for training. After initial certification training, ongoing training costs (other
than travel) are included in the monthly Coach enrollment fee.
Program Improvements We update our program including new coaching policies, software, training methods, measures,
benchmarks, etc. typically once per year. However, during some development cycles, software updates may occur as
frequently as once per month. Clients are not automatically moved to the new version so Coaches can share the changes
with the client and address any training or process issues with the client first.
Based on our experience, Partners move their clients to our latest program release typically within 2-3 months of its release.
Annual Conference Each Coach may be required to attend some part of our conference to remain certified on the latest
release of the Program. The Annual Conference is typically held in late summer, in Findlay, Ohio. Travel is at the expense of
the individual attending.
Use of Marks. We encourage use of (and linking to) Six Disciplines trademarks and the words “SIX DISCIPLINES” within your
website and as page names (e.g. www.MyCompany.com/SixDisciplines). Also representation as a “Certified Six Disciplines
Coach” is encouraged. Information on the available marks, graphics, proper use, and example website copy is located on our
Portal at http://portal.SixDisciplines.com.
Coaches may NOT use trade names or the words “SIX DISCIPLINES” (in any variation) (e.g. www.SixDisciplinesPittsburgh.com)
in its domain name.
Requirements upon Termination Upon termination of the Coach Agreement between a Coach and Six Disciplines, the
confidential material(s) which need to be returned to Six Disciplines or destroyed include, but are not limited to:
1. All Coach training notebooks.
2. Materials downloaded from the http://portal.SixDisciplines.com.
Technical Support
Coach agrees Partner will be the resource for technical support. Any technical support issues that cannot be resolved with
the Partner can be escalated to Corporate for additional assistance.
Financial Relationship with Corporate
Coach agrees the Partner will serve as the financial/billing entity for all fees including but not limited to Coach Enrollment,
Training and Client Program fees. The financial arrangement between the Coach and the Partner will remain between the
Coach and the Partner – the Corporate office will not determine the terms of those agreements.
Certification Status
Coach agrees sponsoring Partner will be responsible for monitoring and confirming the coach’s conformance to Six
Disciplines’ coach certification standards. Corporate holds Partners ultimately responsible for client satisfaction and as such
is responsible for determining who should be coaching the client.
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