A Deep and Focused Conversation

A Professional Coach helps people discover what needs to be changed and then supports them in making that change.

Through the coaching process, people are empowered, gaining new insights and a new vision for their life. 

 

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A coaching conversation can support you in moving forward and reaching the next level.

That "next level" varies from person to person. It may be succession or retirement planning, more effective leadership presence, how to perform well in a new role or acclimate to a new company.

No matter the area of focus in Coaching, you must know how to make the most out of your coaching experience.

 

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Here are important pointers to prepare yourself for the coaching engagement.

 

1. Understand what Coaching is NOT

There has been so much misunderstanding and confusion on what Coaching is among people unfamiliar with the field of Coaching.

• Coaching does NOT teach skills or find a solution to resolve your problem situation. 

• Coaching does NOT solve your struggles or challenges. 

• Coaching does NOT provide advice or suggestion. 

Instead, it draws on your insights from your experiences and considers how you can integrate and apply them in your situation.

 

The International Coaching Federation defines Coaching as partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential.

 

Here is a sneak preview of what a coaching conversation feels like.

 

2. Be clear on what you want to

Take time to think thoughtfully about what you want to work on and provide the following information to your coach.

This will help your coach better understand your situation to facilitate a richer experience. 

• What topic do you want to be coached on in less than 30 words?
• What makes it important for you to be coached on this topic? [ share with us the context for raising this topic to be coached in less than 200 words ]
• What do you hope to achieve from this Coaching in less than 30 words?

 

3. Be Open

Your coach will ask you thought-provoking, inspiring, challenging, supportive and powerful questions to help challenge your thinking and help you see other possibilities. 

You will be taking an inward look and thinking critically.

As you work on achieving your goals with your coach, you will be challenged to get out of your comfort zone.

You will have more meaningful results when you provide honest and transparent answers.

If your coach has spent time peeling back layers to get to what is "real," the coaching process will often take longer and may be less effective.

It is helpful to prepare yourself to be vulnerable with your coach.

 

Finally, Be open for New Possibility

Coaching works best when you are fully invested in the engagement. 

Commitment on the part of the client is critical.

It would be best if you could be engaged in the process, willing to accomplish something, honest with your coach and open to looking at alternative ways of doing things.