The Coaching Process
Executive coaching can happen in a short one-off conversation or a series of sessions over many months, depending on your budget, needs and goals.
Meeting face-to-face creates the best conditions for coaching but of course it isn't always possible. Meeting virtually, ideally with a video connection, for all or some of your coaching is increasingly common practice.
Virtual technology gives you the flexibility to be coached at home or wherever you are in the world.
How many coaching sessions are involved?
A coaching programme will usually comprise of four to six 90-minutes sessions over a four-to-ten-month period.
The coachee is supported in identifying goals at the start of the coaching programme and these are worked on throughout, as well as any urgent topical issues - such as preparing for a meeting/presentation or managing a challenging relationship.
Usually you get to meet at least one coach for an informal conversation to explore if you are a good match and see the coach has the right skills and approach to help the coachee meet their goals.
Thereafter, a meeting to discuss ways of working is held with the coachee and their line manager, providing an opportunity for the coachee to understand how their manager thinks they would best develop and discuss any key issues.
The impact of the coaching is assessed midpoint through a programme and again at the end (see below).
A coaching programme of six sessions is likely to include these stages:
1.
Initial Meeting
Discuss ways of working, reasons for coaching, expectations and practicalities such as location and frequency of coaching sessions.
2.
Sponsor Discussion
A three-way conversation with the coach, coachee and their line manager to obtain the manager’s view on development goals, discuss ways of working and confidentiality and to agree the format for coaching process.
3.
Profiling
Assessments such as 360 feedback and psychometric/personality profiling help increase a coachee's understanding of their strengths, reputation and potential development areas. These can be discussed in early coaching sessions as the coachee defines their goals.
4.
Coaching Sessions
Two or three sessions of one-to-one coaching usually lasting 1.5 hours, starting by agreeing objectives. These can be a combination of face-to-face and/or virtual coaching sessions.
5.
Mid-programme Review
Review progress to date and assess if goals need updating (this can happen at the same time as a coaching session). Agree whether further sessions are required.
6.
Coaching Sessions
Two or three further sessions (as above).
7.
Assess
Assessment of progress made against the coaching goals and next steps if required.