Coaching sessions are an invaluable tool for helping clients reach their goals. But how do you organize a coaching session to ensure that it is productive and effective? In this article, we'll discuss the steps to take when organizing a coaching session, from identifying the problem to setting the purpose of the session and beyond. When starting a coaching conversation, it's important to observe the client and identify the specific problem that needs to be addressed in the time allotted. It's also essential to establish a training agreement that outlines the tangible result of the session.
To do this, you'll need to gain clarity on the client's goals and objectives. The first step in any call should be to establish a good relationship with the client. If you already know them well, you can refer to past sessions and ask how they felt after the previous session ended. If this is your first session with them, look for something different to start with.
Make sure to let your client know that they must answer questions before a specific time. Depending on your training style, you can incorporate anecdotes, role-playing game scenarios, worksheets, roadmaps, and other resources into this part of the session. Every training session is unique, so it's important to build a flexible structure that allows for an ebb and flow between current and new ideas, thoughts, and beliefs. As a coach, your job is to move your client from where they are now to where they want to be in a way that allows them to take charge of the process.
At the end of the session, it's important to ensure that your client takes action on what was discussed. To do this, share observations about the gap between their current situation and their desired outcome. You can also print out the structure of your life coaching session as a reference if things start going off track. If this isn't your first time training this client, review your previous notes from previous sessions to remember what you've already worked on.
Before deciding how you'll structure a life coaching session, you'll need to figure out its purpose. If this is an initial life coaching session, be sure to send an intake form to your client so they can answer some initial questions. Check if any questions have arisen since your last counseling meeting or call and encourage your client to reflect on their progress since starting their program.
