How to Get the Most Out of Your Coaching Experience
Want to get the most out of your upcoming coaching experience? Here are our top 4 tips!
- Mentally Prepare - go into your coaching call or session with an idea of what you'd like to talk about as well as the outcome you’re looking for. If your coach provides you with a pre-coaching form, be sure to fill it out before your first session.
- Minimize Distractions - make an effort to minimize distractions during you call -- coaching demands a commitment from you and you’ll want to stay focused. Before your call, grab a bite to eat, find a quiet space, silence unneeded electronics, and last but not least, take a couple moments just to breathe.
- Suit Up - be ready to work. You don’t need to literally put a suit on for your call (although if you are video conferencing, make sure you do wear something appropriate!), but you have engaged in coaching to begin making changes in your life -- personally and/or professionally -- and this requires a notable amount of work on your part.
- Take Notes - don’t lose track of valuable insights, learnings, or action items covered during your session. Immediately following the call, take a few minutes to jot down any and all important notes. This will help you stay on track to achieve your goals -- and you’ll have something to revisit later if needed.
A coaching engagement is a partnership. You can expect to receive the same undivided attention from your coach that he or she has requested from you. Effective coaching requires active listening. If you feel that your coach isn’t really listening to you, then it’s time to find a new one. It is important to have rapport with your coach and feel comfortable talking with him or her as you will uncover amazing insights and experience incredible growth when you are able to open up.