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
4 Responses
Four common coaching mistakes to avoid
Am I missing something with this blog… Isn’t this more about contract management than specifically directed to coaching?
4 Coaching Mistakes
I am sure Emma can reply for herself, but I think these are 4 excellent tips even if they do seem very Ts & Cs oriented!
There was a separate post in this week’s TZ bulletin from a trainer who has designed a workshop that hasn’t proceeded (at least yet) and hasn’t been paid.
Many of these sorts of client-problems, whether you are training or coaching, can only really be settled sensibly with clients when the Ts and Cs are clear from the start – and a very good start I would suggest for any contractual relationship. These certainly needn’t get in the way of the all-important client-relationship, and can indeed save much greater unhappiness downstream.
Best wishes – Jeremy
thanks
Sorry for late reply, just wanted to thank both of you for your comments– Emma
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