How Coaching Works

Coaching works by taking time out of your schedule to invest in focused conversations with a skillful sounding board (the coach). You, the one receiving coaching, are the expert in your world and the coach’s role is to listen, ask questions and when timely, offer ideas to consider. The topics in the conversations are what matters most to you–the issues that will likely make the biggest difference to improve your current and/or long term situation. Common topics in business coaching include managing and executing on top priorities, reducing energy drains, strengthening your leadership skills, and work/life balance. You are free to pick the focus of each conversation. What a skillful coach does is listen carefully to what you are saying, looking for strengths and resources, obstacles and energy drains, and what you want and don’t want.

The coach then works to summarize what you are sharing in light of the prior, working to capture the most germane elements and create a shared understanding of what you are facing. From there, the coach will usually ask questions, designed to help you explore the topic and perhaps uncover important assumptions or vantage points that were previously unseen. As greater understanding emerges, you are becoming positioned to engage the topic from more and more of a place of strength.

Building on the richer understanding now available, plans and steps to realize the plan come to the forefront. You are in a place to consider what would work best for you to move forward in the most effective way. From there we look at what kind of sequence and timeline would be good to execute the plan. The coach also keeps track of the plan and action steps, and in the next conversation, will follow up on what progress was made and, as it happens in the real world, what progress wasn’t made. As the coaching process unfolds, and as you execute on the plan, over time you have made significant progress on what matter the most to you. That leaves you with a rich sense of satisfaction and enjoying the success that comes from staying focused on what matters the most.

Where, when, and how often does coaching take place?

The initial meeting may be face to face, in your office or at a local restaurant or coffee shop, or over the phone, if distance is a factor.  Follow up conversations are typically over the phone, usually lasting 50 minutes.  Coaching appointments are scheduled during the work day, at a mutually convenient time. Coaching for leadership development ideally takes place on a twice a month, but can occur at less frequent intervals, such as once every three weeks or once a month, and still be valuable

Great Coaching

Great coaching happens when you and the coach are in sync. When your conversations are energizing and motivating. When you wrap up a time having real clarity and confidence about executing on high leverage initiatives. Great coaching happens when you realize in a new way you have the strength and skills to tackle what’s in front of you in a masterful way. And, when you know you’ve got a system set up that gives you a great shot at lasting success. That’s when coaching is great.

Of course great coaching takes time to experience. It takes time for you and the coach to get on the same page, to express and clarify what is most important. It takes some time to see the fruit of your efforts because the truth is progress takes time. Yet, as you invest, as you are willing to explore vital topics, and as you are willing to grow and try new approaches, you’ll enjoy surprising and very satisfying results.

Great Coaches

Great coaches are known for their ability to connect easily and skillfully. They have an undeniable ability to help you gain clarity and confidence in engaging your critical tasks. Great coaches help you develop skills in navigating challenging issues in masterful ways, allowing you to become a better and better leader over time. Perhaps their greatest skill though is their ability to stay in a place where you know you are in charge of the agenda. They are grounded in their role and don’t take over the conversation or your coaching. They are deeply committed to your ongoing development and your ultimate success. Your growth and success is what gives a great coach the most satisfaction. Make sure whomever you work with has these qualities to ensure you’re making the best investment.