You made the commitment and hired a coach and you want to get maximum results from your sessions. Your sessions will most likely be anywhere from thirty minutes to one hour at various fees depending on your niche and other factors (honestly the answer when it comes to rates is “It depends”) Prior to your first session, your coach will probably send an intake package to learn more about you and where you are today in relation to your goals. Some may ask you to take one or more assessments to help both of you gain greater insights into your personality, values, motivators, communication and spiritual journey.
In preparation for the weekly session, most coaches use a weekly prep form. I use a form regularly with my clients and it is simple and to the point. I keep it simple and basically want the answer to 3 questions. I ask 1) what went well the past week 2) where you had challenges and 3) where you want to focus the time on our upcoming session. Remember, you (the client) set the agenda so be specific on where you want to focus. Spend a few minutes of quiet time prior to each session and come prepared.
Coaching is a lot about change and forward movement. Your coach will partner with you, ask lots of powerful discovery questions, even challenge you as needed. Your coach will help you develop support structures and accountability and sometimes make requests for you to take specific actions. If you say yes to a request, get into the habit to follow through on your commitments to get the most of the coaching relationship. If you know you will not be able to meet the request, be open and honest with your coach. You hired a coach to get maximum results that you have not been able to accomplish on your own. Be prepared to be challenged. Your coach wants the best for you, and wants you to be successful. It ‘s about YOU, not the coach so be true to yourself.
Your coach will ask you for feedback along the way and I encourage you to give feedback on what is working for you in the coach relationship, and what isn’t working for you. Sometimes you may find that you work well with a coach and the relationship may last months or even longer. This is a partnership and when it works well, be prepared to see major positive changes take place. Celebrate with your coach the milestones along the way.
How have you worked in a coaching relationships as a coach or as a client? What worked well? What didn’t work well?