Chemistry Session
To truly benefit from a coaching relationship, you need to have clear expectations of what coaching is and make sure you have selected the right partner to work with.
What is Coaching?
“Partnering with clients in a thought-provoking and creative process that inspires them to maximize their personal and professional potential. The process of coaching often unlocks previously untapped sources of imagination, productivity, and leadership.” (ICF’s Definition)
Coaching is focused on Present - “What’s going on?” and finding solutions and next steps for the future. No answers, but finding it together
What’s the agenda?
From a coach
His/Her background and approach
Sharing successful, relevant client cases
Ground rules - Confidentiality. Partnership. Structure. Accountability.
Tailored program and tools to be used, if relevant
Next steps - Contract. Fees. Logistics.
From you
Your background and where you are at?
Why do you want to work with a coach?
What are your objectives?
Any experience with the coaches or mentors?
What are your expectations from the coach?
Your feedback
A great coach has natural abilities like intuiting, empathy, curiosity that cannot be learned and can truly hear what was said and unsaid.
Pay attention to the feeling of trust and chemistry between you and reflect on the below points:
Credibility - ‘Do they know what they are talking about?’ Can you trust your coach as you trust doctors and lawyers because they are trained professionals and experts in their field?
Reliability - delivering on promises and commitments
Intimacy - can you trust your coach to keep confidentiality and really share what’s on your mind?
Self-Orientation - “Where does their focus lie?” Do they have your best interests at heart? Are they really helping you and care about you?