Coaching Agreement
Coaching agreement is the arrangement between the coach and client regarding the goals and outcomes of a specific conversation. It concludes by discussing the coaching relationship agreement, which applies the same competencies but throughout the longer-term relationship and overarching goals.
Coaching Session Agreement
The first competency marker is that the coach helps the client identify or reconfirm what they want to accomplish. A coaching session should begin by determining the session’s direction. Both the client and coach benefit from clarity on the goals for the allotted time, whether 20 minutes or an hour. A useful opening question might be, “What would you like to accomplish during our time together today?”
Often, clients present broad topics that exceed the scope of the session. The coach’s role includes helping the client narrow their focus to a specific, manageable aspect of the topic. For example, if the client’s overarching goal is to improve their relationship with their boss, the session’s focus could be identifying two actionable strategies for better communication. This distinction ensures the session remains practical and targeted while contributing to the client’s overall objectives.
Defining Measures of Success
Once the session goal is identified, the next step is defining or reconfirming measures of success. This involves asking, “How will you know you’ve achieved your goal for this session?” For instance, if the client aims to develop communication strategies, success might involve generating actionable ideas.
For less tangible goals, such as achieving clarity, the coach can use exploratory techniques. Asking questions like, “On a scale of 1 to 10, how clear are you on this topic now?” helps quantify progress. Follow-up questions like, “What would make a five different from where you are now?” encourage deeper reflection.
Coaches should adapt their approach based on the client’s preferences. For visual or metaphorical thinkers, asking them to describe their clarity (e.g., “It feels like a black box”) can open pathways for meaningful exploration. Success measures should align with the client’s expectations and the session’s objectives.
Exploring What Is Meaningful to the Client
Another competency marker involves exploring what is meaningful to the client about their session goal. Asking, “Why is this topic important to you?” or “What will achieving this goal give you that you don’t currently have?” helps clients connect their goals to their values and motivations. This alignment fosters momentum and ensures the session’s outcomes resonate with the client’s broader aspirations.
Defining What to Address or Resolve
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The coach also helps the client identify what needs to be addressed or resolved to achieve their goal. For instance, if the goal is improving communication with a boss, potential areas to explore could include fear of confrontation, lack of trust, or ineffective communication habits. By identifying these blockers, the client gains clarity on the steps required to move forward. This targeted approach prevents aimless discussions and ensures the session’s direction aligns with the client’s objectives.
Working Toward the Client’s Stated Outcomes
Finally, the coach must ensure the conversation continues toward the client’s stated outcomes unless the client decides to shift focus. For example, if the session’s goal is generating communication strategies but the discussion veers toward organizational issues, the coach can check in by asking, “I heard you mention organization. Is this something we should explore further, or should we return to communication strategies?” This approach respects the client’s autonomy while maintaining alignment with the session’s purpose.
Coaching Relationship Agreement
Beyond individual sessions, a coaching relationship agreement outlines the longer-term partnership. This agreement typically includes:
- Overall Goals: What the client aims to achieve over the coaching engagement (e.g., becoming a better leader).
- Measures of Success: How progress and success will be evaluated over time.
- Working Dynamics: How the coach and client will collaborate, including preferred feedback styles and communication norms.
Periodic check-ins (e.g., every 3–4 sessions) help assess progress toward overarching goals and ensure the relationship remains effective. These discussions provide an opportunity to adjust goals or coaching methods if needed.
Setting Expectations
Educating clients about what coaching entails is essential, especially for those new to the process. Clarify that coaching is a partnership where the client retains control, while the coach serves as a supportive guide. Discuss potential scenarios, such as how interruptions or challenging feedback will be handled, to establish a clear working agreement.
Conclusion
The coaching agreement, whether for individual sessions or the overall relationship, forms the foundation of effective coaching. By helping clients clarify their goals, define success measures, and explore meaningful connections, coaches empower clients to make tangible progress. Regular check-ins and clear communication ensure the partnership remains aligned with the client’s evolving needs and aspirations.
