Articles To help Project Leaders
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What happens in a professional coaching session?Do you wonder what happens during a session with a professional coach? How does the coach guide the client to uncover possible solutions and action plans that empower the client to work towards goals? Why do clients look forward to each coaching session? Coaching sessions are not mysterious events cloaked in darkness. This article briefly describes one general flow of events in a coaching session, however because coaching is personally customized to the client's needs, there is no "typical" coaching call.
The coaching call starts off with greetings and exchange of pleasantries. How are you doing? What have you accomplished since we last met? How you are enjoying the weather? And so on.
Next, we get into the topic under discussion for this call, with the coach asking "What would you like to work on today". Let's take an example, and the client says "I am struggling to find the time and energy to prepare for a presentation about my latest project".
Coach: "Tell me more"
Client: "Well, I am just so swamped at work, my child is sick and I haven't had a good
night's sleep in two days".
Coach: "Sorry to hear that how is your child doing now?"
Client: "The medication is working and my child is recovering now, thank you".
Coach: "Let's talk about this presentation when is it due?"
Client: "Next week".
Coach: "Who is the presentation for?"
Client: "My project sponsor, my boss and his manager".
Coach: "What are they looking to get out of this presentation?"
Client: "That's a good question. I am not sure. Every project manager in my company
routinely presents projects and I don't know the real reason for this presentation"
Coach: "How can you find out the purpose of this presentation?"
Client: "I can ask my manager perhaps I don't need to make this presentation at all"
Coach: "If you need to make this presentation, is there anyone else can prepare this
presentation for you?"
Client: "You know, I didn't consider this. Yes, now that you mention it, my technical
lead and Systems Analyst can create this presentation as well, almost as good as if I
create it myself. I will ask them to help me out here".
Coach: "Now, would you like to delve deeper into how you can get some more sleep?"
Client: "No it is OK. My mother is coming to stay for a few days and help me to take
care of my child. I will be fine tomorrow. Thank you for listening and changing my
perspective."
Coach: "So, do you want to recap what your next step is?"
Client: "Yes, I will find out the reason for this presentation and also ask my project team
mates to help me out here".
Coach: "Please let me know how it turns out. What else would you like to discuss
today?"
Client continues to discuss other goals she is working on and towards the end of the call, the coach recaps the call and action steps with the client. The client leaves the call with renewed energy, sometimes a new perspective and the learning to ask better questions when in a similar situation in the future.
You can see how a coach does not have answers for the client, but instead helps the client to investigate possible solutions to move forward. A coach listens attentively to your words and constructively supports you to overcome obstacles and reach goals.
If you were this client, wouldn't you look forward to each session with your personal coach? As the client, you come to the session feeling drained and overwhelmed and leave the session with a new sense of power as well as actionable steps to reach your goals. Your coach truly listens to you, helps you to uncover truths for yourself and doesn't necessarily provide advice or answers.
Your professional coach is trained to ask effective questions and many questions don't have text book answers. Asking the question and reflecting on possible answers helps the client and coach to shift perspectives.
If you are not working with a professional coach yet, you are shutting the door on your best work. You can be more, do more, and have more than you currently experience. Now is the best time to improve your future. Schedule a complimentary introductory session with a professional coach today to experience the results for yourself. Your life will never be the same.
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Wayne Botha helps individuals and organizations to improve results. Learn more at
www.waynebotha.com. Wayne grew up in South Africa and now lives in Connecticut, USA.
Wayne is a speaker and author. Wayne is a Faculty member at District 53 Toastmasters
Leadership Institute and has earned the 53 Triple Crown Award for three consecutive years from Toastmasters in District 53. Colleagues and audiences frequently tease Wayne about his funny accent.
Published December 2008.
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