Successful coaching depends on a relationship and mutual communication.
If you want to get the absolute most out of that coaching relationship, I cannot recommend The Coaching Companion too much. This book provides an in-depth approach to clients for maximizing the value and minimizing the friction in their coaching journey.
The Coaching Companion
Entering into a coaching relationship for the first time can be both exciting and daunting. To get the most out of your experience, it’s important to establish clear expectations, engage fully in the process, and maintain a curious and open mindset.
The below tips are my top takeaways from The Coaching Companion, aimed at new first-time coaching clients:
Clarifying Expectations
Start by discussing and clarifying expectations with your coach. This includes understanding your roles, defining confidentiality, and determining how much challenge and advice you expect. It’s essential to agree on the level of tangible support you’ll receive and what that looks like to you.
Engagement and Preparation
Engage fully by being present and open during sessions. Sending agenda items in advance and completing any homework assignments is crucial. If you need to cancel a session, do so at least 48 hours in advance. Always communicate openly if the process isn’t meeting your expectations.
Cultivating Curiosity
Curiosity is a powerful tool in coaching. It helps avoid assumptions and enhances learning. “Curiosity is the antidote to getting stuck in the ‘I know’ mindset.” By continuously questioning and adopting a beginner’s mindset, you can focus on what you can change and control.
Receiving Feedback
Feedback is an essential part of growth, though it can be challenging. Remember, “Negative feedback can make us bitter or better.” – Robin Sharma. Moving through initial emotional reactions to feedback allows you to benefit from it. Employ strategies like grounding, reframing, and empathizing to handle feedback constructively.
Setting and Achieving Goals
Clearly define your coaching goals, both growth and outcome-based. Writing down your goals can significantly increase your chances of achieving them.
“The faintest ink is more powerful than the strongest memory.” – Chinese proverb.
When faced with competing goals, explore both/and opportunities with your coach, and use the SMART paradigm to clarify high-level goals.
Creating a Coaching Routine
Establish a consistent schedule for your coaching sessions and between-session exercises. Design these exercises with your coach to reinforce what you learn. Protect your coaching time by choosing strategic session times and minimizing distractions.
Personal Investment
Invest time and effort into the coaching process. Even if you’re not paying out of pocket, your engagement is crucial. Prepare for sessions, engage fully, and follow through on actions.
“Things that matter most must never be at the mercy of things which matter least.” – Goethe.
Reflection and Action
Reflect on the insights gained and translate them into actionable steps. Create a distraction-free environment for your coaching sessions and acknowledge your progress daily.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 21:6.
Measuring Impact
Regularly revisit your goals and measure the impact of coaching on your behavior, attitudes, and performance. Use both qualitative and quantitative data to assess your progress and inform future goals.
“The measure of success is not whether you have a tough problem to deal with, but whether it is the same problem you had last year.” – John Foster Dulles.
By following these guidelines, you can maximize the benefits of your coaching experience and foster significant personal and professional growth.
Patrick Weeks 
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