A typical coaching programme consists of 6 x 1 hour coaching discussions over a period of 3 to 5 months, depending on the specific needs of the client. Because of the bespoke nature of CIEC coaching, alternative options are always available, for example, beginning the programme with a Stakeholder Feedback Exercise to raise self-awareness.
Clients (the ‘coachee’) whose coaching is sponsored by their business will, ideally, come to coaching with some identified areas to work on, in order to affect behavioural changes. The expectation is that the sponsor (usually the line-manager) will have discussed these and agreed them with the coachee. A 3-way meeting at the outset is really valuable in ensuring everyone is clear about the aims of the programme. During the first coaching discussion these areas are explored, prioritised and turned into clear goals linked to Measurable Objectives (MO’s).
At the end of each coaching discussion the client goes away with a self-determined action plan, for completion prior to the next meeting. It’s important to note that reflection, evaluation, monitoring of behaviours and emotions, in this context, all count as ‘actions’.
In order to keep on track and to assess progress, the coachee completes a mid-point review of the coaching programme and a final review at the end. Together the coach and coachee review the goals and MO’s. Both reviews are shared with the sponsor, with prior agreement from the coachee. It is important to note that the detailed content of the coaching discussions remains confidential between the coach and the individual. However, any trends identified may be presented back to the organisation, if prior agreement is given from the coachee. Note: Tracey does not provide updates or information to the organisation without the expressed consent of the coachee. However, she does encourage and support open dialogue between both parties. Sometimes this can be a topic for coaching in itself!
At the mid-point of the programme, the sponsor is also asked for feedback on the client’s progress in terms of behavioural changes relating to the MO’s set out at the start. This enables the coach, the coachee and the client organisation / sponsor to monitor the quality of the coaching and the progress being made, ensuring ROI.
Self-funding clients also review progress at the mid-point and end of the programme to ensure progress is being made and to ‘course-correct’ if necessary.
