Planning the first session (ii)

Determine the client's concerns

Some clients immediately bring up the problem that is plaguing them, they want to move forward, but don't know how to do it, they express what they expect from coaching and will respond immediately to work with goals. Others are more proactive and come to the coach when they sense the presence of a problem, they need direction and a sense of direction towards goals to begin to move away from their current uncomfortable situation.

When the problem is related to learning a skill, one or two sessions will suffice. The coach will sort out the goal outcome, the values that generate it, identify possible limiting beliefs and build the action plan. After that, it is enough to be available for any support by phone.

Another type of client may need complex interviews over several sessions. There may be limiting beliefs and adverse circumstances that need a lot of work, they may even need to clarify their goals, or the coaching process may take up several aspects of their life, in which case, the process may take months.

Finally, there are the clients who need a fundamental change, then they need deeper conversations. They probably need personal coaching.

Whatever the issue, it is always good to explore:

• How will the two of you know that the coaching program is working?

• What will the client have to do?

• What will he or she have to stop doing?

• Which of the habits he or she has are maintaining the blockage?

• What habits in his life are holding him back?

• What will he need more of?

• What will he need to do differently?

• What exercises and tasks can you assign him that will help him accomplish all of the above?

Designing a coaching partnership

You can design this partnership by putting a sheet with these statements in the client's hands:

• Coaching works well for me when the coach does the following.

• Coaching does not work well for me when the coach does the following.

The coach must be flexible, if he/she is not able to adapt, he/she will be limited to only one type of client. The partnership makes it possible for the client to take responsibility for results and solutions.

The coach does not have to tell the client what to do, he/she will never be the owner of the solution. Sometimes the coach can suggest, even vehemently, but the final solution must remain in the client's hands.

If not, the client will only expect the coach to make the changes, and if no progress is made, the client will blame the coach, and the coach may even feel guilty about it.

Hold both parties accountable to the program

Coaching only works if both parties are committed to the process. You should never take on a client when you are not convinced that you can or want to help them and respect them for who they are. In that case, in a sincere manner, the coach should recommend that the client see another professional.

It is not easy for the coachee to make a commitment, he/she is being asked to make another commitment in addition to the ones he/she already has (family, work, friends, hobbies, etc.).

To strengthen this commitment, it is good to identify the obstacles that can influence it. Being aware of these obstacles will make both parties better prepared to commit to the process:

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