What can I expect from a coaching session?

I’m thinking of signing up with a coach to address some of my work issues. Truth is, I don’t know what to expect. I’ve heard these guys ask you lots of questions, and I might not know the answers. After all, surely they should be giving me the answers, - isn’t that what I’m paying for?

I could use some advice on what a coaching session is actually like, and your top tips on how not to make a fool of myself.

A good coaching session feels like a great conversation with some one you trust.

Sure, there’s going to be some structure to the session, but let your coach worry about that.

Let’s talk about the big picture first. You’ve decided to get some coaching to build your success, or face a set of challenges or grow in a particular area. At the onset, you and your coach will set some goals that inspire you, or describe a vision so that you both know what success looks like for you. Don’t worry if you’re not clear at the beginning what it looks like. Your coach will help you to tease out the details. Then you’ll work out a strategy, like milestones of how you’re going to achieve your intentions.

Each session will provide you with space to think. For most of us, when we are grappling with a problem, thoughts spin in our heads in a loop. ‘Should I try this? ‘What if that happens?’ ‘What will other people think?’

Your coach will provide you with a safe place to air your dilemmas, without judgment. They will ask you many questions, not to trip you up or test you out, but to help you think clearly and consider the options. They will listen deeply to what you say to help you gain new insights and decide on new courses of action.

It is rare that your coach will suggest solutions to you. You know your current circumstances best, and it is your life, not your coach’s. They may challenge you and support you, but the agenda will always be your own.

Coaching is about making positive changes and you will want to commit to taking actions between sessions. This could be researching something, or getting feedback from other people, or having a particular conversation. You will probably have to do some things differently which can be challenging, but as the coaching conversations progress, you will move towards achieving your envisaged success.

Your coaching sessions typically last about an hour. They can be face-to-face or virtual through Skype or Zoom and spaced at convenient intervals ranging between 2 – 4 weeks.

Apart from the experience of having a great conversation, most people feel understood, acknowledged and energised by the end of the session. Sometimes topics are difficult, but you’ll feel supported and ready to take the next steps on your journey.

Top tips for getting the best from your coaching sessions:

• Be yourself

• Speak your truth

• Take time to think before answering questions – speed is unimportant

• Expect to take actions between sessions. Coaching is about achieving great results, not just talking.

• Enjoy the process

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