Conducting a coaching session

How do you start a coaching process?

Coaching always starts by a request, translated into a goal. A contract is established to fix the location of the sessions, their description, their pace and duration, the fee, the cancellation conditions, the indicators that the goal is reached, the code of ethics...

Halfway through any session, an evaluation can be done as well as a possible reframing.

When the objective is reached, an assessment is carried out.

How much time does a coaching process take?

It is highly variable. Everything depends on the need of the client. It all depends on the client’s need. This can last from one month to one year in general. The pace and frequency of sessions are to be evaluated with the coach and depend on the goal that is fixed.

However, the client is free to stop at any time if he considers that this does not suit him. But it is always useful to have a closing session to verify that it is not avoidance.

The risk of prolonged coaching sessions may lead to a dependance on the coach, where as the goal of coaching is simply to help people achieve their goals in a self-sufficient manner.

How long does a coaching session take?

Again, this is highly variable. It depends on the needs and availability of the client and the availability of the coach. A session can last anywhere between 50 minutes and 3 hours (exceptionally).

Where do the sessions take place?

By mutual agreement, the sessions can take place at the coach’s place, sometimes at the client’s or even in an outside location such as the lobby of a hotel. The important thing is that the customer feels confident in the proposed location. It is best to avoid coaching in the coachee's office environment if possible to avoid interuption and distraction.

A coaching "contract": What is it?

There are two "forms" of contract in the relationship coach/coachee: the administrative contract and the oral contract

• The administrative contract (often in a company and in a tripartite relationship coach/coachee/company)

The set up contract will include co-commitments on the results for some, commitments on the means for others.

This contract mainly covers the following points:

• The name and the contact information of the company
• The name of the coachee
• The general context
• The overall objective of the coaching
• The place the coaching will take place
• The number and duration of sessions
• The fees and terms of payment
• General clauses: confidentiality, ethics, commitment of the parties, the right to reserve, termination conditions.

Of course, each coach establishes the contract according to his own perception; and will include a series of elements he considers useful for the smooth running of the coaching.

• The oral contract

An oral contract is set up at the first meeting and establishes the conditions of mutual success between coach and coachee.

Both agree on the following:

• The coachee defines the goal he wants to achieve (which is assessed in terms of real commitment on the way)
• The coach is committed to a clear and tangible progress towards the achievement of the objective.

Together, they set a goal of "progression": they work together, keeping the target in mind, while leaving room for possible adjustments.

The Coach is a person who accompanies another person in a particular moment of her professional or personal life.

Together, they find the best possible way to succeed.