1. Permitting Lateness

 
We’ve all had the experience of clients turning up 5 to 10 minutes late to a session. The question is what do we do when this happens?

 
Don’t give a client a full hour of coaching from the time when the client shows up

Do end on the usual time agreed

 
 

2. Running over time

 

It’s easy to forget the time when you are ‘inflow’ or engrossed in the client’s experience. Suddenly you look up and see that you have gone over by 5 to 10 minutes. If you continue this practice the client will get to expect a longer session.

 

Don’t avoid drawing attention to this

Do apologise for keeping the client over their finish time and in future keep a time piece visible

 


3.     Not agreeing and signing a coaching contract

A coaching contract is a very useful way of establishing the rules of coaching. It can include payment conditions, cancellation policy and the expectations of both coachee and coach. It is a formal document of commitment on both sides and indicates a professional approach to a valuable service.

 
Do have a coaching contract ready to discuss and sign in your first session

Don’t over formalise the procedure, keep rapport present, be light and friendly

 


4.     Failing to ask for feedback

 
Clients can offer us valuable information about what we do well and not so well. So it is a missed opportunity to develop our unique skills if we don’t ask for feedback. Also, it is important that you regularly check that you are meeting your clients needs and expectations as their coach.

 

Don’t ask for feedback on the final minute of the session

Do make sure that the client understands why you are asking for feedback and that you have their permission