As a foundation for the coaching programme, the client will conduct a holistic self-assessment that can look different depending on the client and his/her needs, goals and expectations. A valuable start for most clients is to assess their life situation by a “life journey” or “ups & downs” where they take a look at significant events that has happened in their life and analyse them due to importance, impact and needs. A “wheel of life” can also be used to understand the client’s different areas of life and what is important to them in terms of values. This will support the client to understand where they are now and where they will be when reaching their goals.
In this step I will also support the client to achieve a deeper understanding of themselves by different types of self-assessment techniques and tools. Sometimes the client will also have done previous tests that can be used as input for building a self-awareness foundation. Then focus is to discover the client’s inner strengths and development areas, then align them to their vision and objectives. We will discuss how the client’s current skills and resources will support the goals and what new knowledge/skills needs to be developed to achieve their goals. We will explore and discuss the client’s values and belief’s through powerful questions and different exercises. Defining and understanding core values is part of building the foundation for future change.
Examples of coaching tools:
Action Planning
There is no vision or goals that can be achieved without specific actions from the client. Thoughts and dreams are only the starting point, then its time to start the action planning and “just do it”.
In order for the client to achieve their goals and vision they will therefore have to create a well defined action plan that is aligned with what they want to achieve in the coaching programme. The action plan will consist of well-described actions, timing for completion, alignment to which goal and a prioritisation. I will support the client with powerful questions and different templates and exercises to create an action plan that is detailed but yet realistic. We will also discuss how to follow up and measure the actions to ensure they lead to the desired result. Another tool that might be used is a “start/stop” plan, which is a more simplified planning tool.
Examples of coaching tools:
Nourish Motivation And Implement Actions
Personal motivation and willpower are crucial skills in order for the client to successfully start the process of implementing his/hers action plan. We will discuss and analyse how motivated and disciplined the client feels and if needed, I will provide the client with different tools and exercises that can boost his/hers willpower, enabling a positive “can do” attitude. I will also support the client in prioritising actions and development areas to achieve defined goals.
Many clients will be good at setting goals but can loose enthusiasm when coming to this implementation phase. Obstacles and challenges start to arise, which is actually when a coach can be most useful. Depending on what type of challenge or obstacle is getting in the way I will support the client to understand how to overcome the obstacle or find your way around it.
It is quite normal that clients have ups and downs in their motivation, which can often be related to stress and lack of focus, energy or confidence. To achieve sustainable change, I will help the client to stay on track by powerful questions and motivational visualisation exercises that will boost their confidence and create new energy and engagement. I will encourage the client to use positive affirmations, which is a good tool to overcome challenges and change habits. Each session will discuss and follow up the client’s commitment and motivation to execution and results as well as feeling of inner satisfaction.
Examples of coaching tools:
Growth And Personal Development