Coaching is a thinking space, time out from the ordinary,
it is about the extraordinary – A real personal development opportunity.
Chemistry
The first stage is to gain real rapport and confidence in your coach. This is best achieved using a “chemistry meeting” where the coach will tell you a little about them and how they feel that they can best serve you. This is where you will discuss each person’s responsibilities going forward. Stitching Fog coaches will ask how you are progressing but will not be chasing actions or policing your progress – that task rests with you. Here you will discuss how you work best, what you like and dislike and how you can safely signal to each other if things are not working at their best. Also two contracts are agreed at this point:
- The practical – where, when, how often and long are the sessions & how much will they cost
- The personal – individual responsibilities and how you will act to get the best results
Scoping the work
Either in the chemistry meeting or during the first coaching session the work will be explored and goals will be set with measures to allow progress to be monitored (and success to be celebrated!).
The work
Our coaching programmes are generally 6 x 90 minute sessions with our clients while they set and achieve their goals. These are often weekly for the first few sessions, then greater and greater gaps occur between sessions. The gaps are while clients explore and experiment using their new insight, options, perspectives and tools while they move towards their goals.
The work can have an emotional effect and clients often experience a range of positive and challenging feelings. This is to be expected and the coach can offer support and encouragement during any difficult stages.
Review
As the sessions draw to an end it is important to acknowledge what has been achieved. This might be tasks accomplished, long term behavioural changes or a new way of looking at things. It is a time to celebrate and ask “what next?” As personal development does not end here?
