The coaching path: make the process your own

Over time you’ll develop your own routines, habits and process to suit the way you work. For example, you may always begin by revisiting the overall assignment objectives from your very first session. Or you may choose to send a few notes from the conversation along with the actions. You might set up the whole schedule of sessions before you’ve actually started the coaching assignment. You might telephone your coachee between sessions to get a quick update and ask how they are.

As a rule, I’d encourage consistency and personal discipline. Consistency enables the coachee to trust in your professionalism and also be comfortable that they know what to expect. Personal discipline promotes high standards of behaviour from yourself and your coachee. For example, if you say you’ll call before the next session, make sure you call. If you offer to e-mail some notes, make sure you send them. As previously described, the integrity and professionalism you demonstrate is vital to the ongoing relationship. Wherever possible, keep your word, or make amends if, for some reason, that doesn’t happen. I’m sure you’ll find a way of working that creates a sense of balance you can maintain.