What should I expect a coaching session to be like?

Prospective coaching Clients often ask very pragmatic questions: “what is coaching exactly” “where do we meet”, “is this therapy”, “does it involve burpees or push ups”.  

They want to know what to expect from an investment of their time and money.   

Professional Coaching is a co-creative, confidential process centered on needs articulated by the Client.  It goes something like this:

• The Client shows up with a topic they wish to work on.  

• The Coach probes and checks understanding.  The Coach listens and challenges.  

• Client and Coach work through new ways of thinking about the topic and the modes in which the Client might act.

• The Coach is not a boss or a guru but may be an accountability partner. 

• The Coach will not tell the client what to do.  Rather, the Coach helps the Client work out their own understanding of the challenge and how they wish to respond to it.

• The Client does most of the talking!

A session ends with the Client articulating takeaways and concrete next steps. We typically book a next session before departing.

Common themes include:

• Career & personal growth 

• Time management, priority setting

• The challenge of taking on a new role

• Discomfort at suddenly being “the boss” rather than “a peer”

• Developing/refining leadership skills and voice

• Giving/receiving feedback

• Improving communication/pitching skills

• Senior stakeholder management 

• Strategic thinking

The fit between Client & Coach is important.  I insist on an initial “Discovery Session” which comes with no charge or obligation.  Through it, the potential Client and I can judge mutual fit.

Coaching is not clinical therapy.  I’m am not qualified to help a person through clinical issues. There are lots of terrific medical professionals who are. 

Coaching is not casual conversation over coffee.  Sessions can be intense, the intensity coming from engagement on a meaningful challenge with honesty, integrity and an open mind.  (It is also a burpee free zone. Usually).

As to logistics, most sessions are via Zoom. The pandemic proved collaboration can be effective without physical presence.  I love this format because it allows me the pleasure of working with Clients from around the world.  

Finally, being coached is a bit like taking piano lessons:  progress is made when, between sessions, the Client practices the new toolkit we are creating.

You know the old joke, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice, Practice, Practice.”  It’s the same here:  “How do you achieve your ambitions for professional growth and personal development?  Practice, Practice, Practice.”

If you wonder whether coaching can help you overcome a professional challenge, Let’s Talk.  Please feel free to schedule a Discovery Session with me by clicking on the attached link. 

Until next time.

Be well everybody