What to Expect from a Coaching Conversation

Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash

Coaching provides a different kind of conversation. 

It’s like riding a two person bicycle - the client sits up front, pedals, and controls the direction of the conversation. The coach sits in the back, pedals, and adds perspective - because the coach can see things differently from where they are sitting.

If you are a leader who wants to include coaching conversations in how you manage and inspire others, I encourage you to use the GROW coaching model first. Then try the outline below.

Here is a typical coaching conversation outline:

1. We agree to a topic for the conversation

2. We explore the topic. Typical questions include:

   1. What makes that topic so important right now?

   2. What would success look like?

   3. How will you know you’ve made progress?

   4. What’s in the way?

   5. What can you do about that?

3. We agree on action and accountability

   1. What are the takeaways?

   2. What will you commit to?

   3. When will we talk next?

Every coaching conversation is powerful.

Why? Because it is not just about “the topic” or “the problem.” The focus is on the person as they address their own goals and challenges. Coaching is not about giving advice; it’s about helping people untie their own knots. That way they have the knowledge, skills, and experience for addressing similar challenges in the future.

Furthermore, every conversation will “deepen the learning and forward the action.” In other words, there is always BOTH learning and action from coaching conversations.  Think of it like mining for gold, where every conversation will unearth gold nuggets (the learning) and the client decides how to invest them (the action).

Typical leaning includes new perspectives for the client about who they are, new perspectives on their situation, and even new skills for handling their current opportunities and challenges.

While all that is helpful information, coaching creates transformation as the client applies that learning.

Photo by Adolfo Félix on Unsplash