How to be an effective coach
Coaching was once thought to be the preserve of sportspeople, politicians (in the form of advisors), actors (directors), and musicians (conductors). Coaching for life, business, and individual executives is fast becoming a growth industry as people become aware of the support that is available and how that support can help them to realize their potential. Whether you’re a life, a business, or an executive coach, there are some common areas that you need to engage in if you are to operate effectively.
1. Know clearly the lie of the land.
The style of coaching adopted will be affected by a multitude of factors—has an individual sought help, has an executive sought intervention for an employee, what is the culture of the organization, has a board sought help for an executive?
2. Reach agreement up-front.
Professional coaching begins when an agreement is signed by the person paying for coaching services. It should address such things as time and venue for meetings, frequency of meetings, postponing meetings, telephone and e-mail contact, privacy, confidentiality, grievance process, professional fees and fee-payment (ideally, in advance), and any other documentable items. An agreement takes care of all the nitty-gritty areas enabling coach and client to get the most from the exercise. Coaching sessions must be much more than friendly chats.
3. Adopt an accepted framework.
One of the widely used coaching frameworks is the GROW Model – Goal, Reality, Options, and Wrap-up. Considerations associated with each of the four steps could include:
• What is it that you want? What are your GOALS? Ideally, goals are established by the client; though he or she may need your help in identifying and setting those goals. Think SMART when setting goals—Specific and Stretching,
Measurable, Attractive, Realistic, Time-frame.
• What is happening now? What is your current REALITY? Discuss with the client what the reality of the current situation is for him or her. Your main interest is what’s happening for the client in the here and now.
• What could you do? What OPTIONS are available to you? Explore options to help provide different perspectives on issues; brainstorming is one method of exploration.
• What will you do? What is the way forward or WRAP-UP for you? Before ending any coaching session, you need to plan with the client’s input what is to happen next—a plan for action, if you like.
