The ICF definition of coaching is…. “partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.”
Why coaching?
High performers have goals but may have uncertainty on the next step towards there achievement.
During a coaching session, I help people to get a clearer map (or picture), covering their current situation, desired destination, obstacles/opportunities and possible options.
This is achieved through both listening and by appropriate questions/discussion. I use techniques base upon Sir John Whitmore’s GROW Model coaching framework.
At the end of a coaching session, the individual leaves with absolute certainty of their next action.
Ongoing sessions provide accountability and the opportunity for further discussion towards larger goals.
The stages of a coaching programme
| Stage | Description |
| Chemistry | It begins with a chemistry session to confirm coach and client can work together. After this the client needs to decide upon overarching goals for the entirety of the coaching. |
| Diagnostics | The client produces a SWOT analysis and completes The Quest Profiler personality assessment; a comprehensive psychometric report. These raise awareness in the client. |
| Goal Setting | Optionally, some clients prefer the guidance of a coach when refining their goals. From experience, a combination of five to seven performance and learning goals serves well. |
| Contracting | A formal contact between the coach and client is agreed upon. Any key stakeholders are included. This sets the parameters for the relationship and ensures all parties know what is expected of them. |
| Coaching Sessions | Regular sessions commence, with the aim of progressing towards the client’s overarching goals. The standard is one a month for eight months. |
| Reviews | Halfway through and at completion of the coaching, there is a short review to consider progress made towards the client’s overarching goal. Any key stakeholders are invited by the client to join this meeting. |
| Ongoing Coaching | After the eight months, the client decides what they want to do going forwards. Typically, they will select their next goal to work towards, and contact for further coaching sessions. |
The structure of a coaching session
Firstly the coach (after initial greetings) determines whether the client is emotionally ready for a session. Occasionally a client is distressed by something that happened earlier that day (such as having to dismiss a team member at short notice) and if so it is prudent to move the coaching session.
Knowing that the client may be entering into the session following on from another meeting, the coach provides a reminder of the topic of the previous session.
The coach and client now review the actions that the client committed to at the previous session. Here the coach is providing accountability.
The coach now enquires as to what topic the client has prepared for the coaching session. It is essential that the client comes prepared having considered in advance what their topic is going to be.
After exploring the topic for a few minutes the coach challenges the client to identify what the desired outcome is for this meeting. For example it may be to discuss options, gain clarity and choose one.
The coach structures the conversation using the GROW Model.
G – the goal for the session
R – the current reality
O – Options and Obstacles
W – Way forward/What will you do?
During the coaching conversation the coach will employ various communication techniques, including reflection to help the client to think. Ultimately the client will commit to their next actions (towards their goals) and email these to the coach, along with any feedback for the coach (for example the client may want the session tailored to include something else).
Evidence
Executive coaching enhances goal attainment, resilience and workplace well-being: a randomised controlled study: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760902992456
Does coaching work? A meta-analysis on the effects of coaching on individual level outcomes in an organizational context:
https://doi.org/10.1080/17439760.2013.837499
Executive Coaching - Agile Coaching - Software Development 