5 Key Strategies for Effective Coaching Preparation

Having a coach to navigate leadership and life can be a new experience for many people.  Because it may be a new experience, questions about what to expect  are natural as well as questions about how to maximize the opportunity.  Being intentional with your preparation for the coaching experience will help you maximize the benefit of your coaching sessions.

1. Commit the time on your calendar for the coaching sessions and protect it. It is also helpful to protect the time immediately before and after the session to allow you to process what you learned and are feeling as you anticipate next steps.
2. Prepare for the sessions. Be ready to share what you have done or have not done since the prior session, and what is top of mind for you for the current session. Think about what outcomes you would like to have for the session to consider it successful.
3. Focus. Create an environment for yourself that is free from distractions for your session. Turn off your phone, let others know you are not available, shut down other apps on your computer that might interrupt your thoughts, and remove any other things that might distract you from being fully present.
4. Engage with a willingness to explore and reflect on what you are challenged to consider. Be willing to challenge your personal mental models and uncover limiting beliefs that may be creating barriers to your taking next steps towards your aspirations.
5. Embrace action as you take the next steps. You are creating the next steps on the journey for yourself. The steps you prioritize are dependent on you being willing to lean into the process and grow.