Sample Coaching Conversation

The coach manages the coaching process to provide the client with the outcomes which they contracted for at the start of the process.

Coaching is work! A coach is able to listen to the client, ask key questions, provide new angles on an issue and collaborate on the generation of options and new solutions.

Below is a sample coaching conversation to illustrate part of a coaching session. The dialogue is authentic to the process and does not represent any particular client or coach.

Scene: A quiet meeting room. The only people in there are the coach and the client.

Coach:	Hello again Peter, how are things for you today?
Client:	Pretty good Sue, I have made some good changes since we last met.
Coach:	Sounds great and before we continue I would like to remind you that this session is confidential.
Client:	Ok, thanks for reminding me and I’ll tell you about the changes over coffee, later on.
Coach:	Fair enough and we have two hours scheduled, so I would like to start by asking: what would you like to get out of our session today?
Client:	Well I’m not sure really as I have several things buzzing round my head at the moment.
Coach:	Ok, do you have a sense of what you would like?
Client:	Um…(thinks)… yes, actually I do. I would like to work on developing some specific options to put to our customer.
Coach:	Ok Peter, we could do that…how many options would be good for you?
Client:	Um…two…no…three. Yes, three would be good.
Coach:	Ok, so three options to put to your customer. And what would you like me to do as your coach?
Client:	I’d like you to listen to my ideas and help me focus on three clear options.
Coach:	Ok I can do that and would you like me to offer any options as well?
Client:	Yes please, that would be great.
Coach:	Ok, if I think of anything I’ll ask if you’d like another option.
Client:	Yes, thanks, that’s good.
Coach:	And remember… you are responsible for all your actions and decisions resulting from this session.
Client:	Right, of course, but you can advise me of the best option though?
Coach:	No, not really. That would be consultancy. However, we can work together to find out which option you are most comfortable with.
Client:	Fair enough…as she’s my customer it is up to me to decide for myself. I guess I have a hunch about what I would like to do, but I would like to have some alternatives to kick around.
Coach:	Sure, that makes sense and I’ll keep an eye on the time.
Client:	Thanks…can we stop for coffee after half an hour?
Coach:	Of course…do you need a drink now?
Client:	No thanks, I’m ok for now.
Coach:	Ok, shall we begin?
Client:	Please.
Coach:	Ok, I’d like to start by asking what ideas you have been thinking about already?
Client:	Well, I have two problems to sort through with this particular customer... (the session continues)

 

In the above example the coach contracts with the client to make sure their need is clearly stated. The coach establishes confidentiality and makes it clear that she is managing the process. The client is able to enter the ‘safe coaching space’ and discuss his thinking in an open and honest way. He also retains his free will at all times and is able to decide for himself what to do subsequently….which is part of the power of coaching.

Finally, coaching can be an intense and highly productive use of time…and it is ok to take a break and have some coffee!

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