How does coaching work?

How does coaching work? Coaching is a versatile tool that can help you achieve your goals, whether you're looking to improve your career, tackle a business challenge, or develop new skills. 

It's an effective way to address complex challenges in your work or business that require guidance and expertise beyond your current level.

In the process, a coach will have regular structured conversations with individuals or groups. It's a safe and supportive environment to explore your aspirations and develop the personalised strategies and tools you'll need to succeed. 

In this blog, we'll dive deeper into the coaching process, exploring what it is, how it works and the benefits it can provide. 

I'll also offer tips and guidance if you are looking for a coach.

How coaching works - Choosing your coach

With such a wide choice of coaches available, it can sometimes feel like you need a coach to help choose one!

Take time to shop around and discuss your needs with a selection of professionals. These conversations will help clarify your goals and consider the support you or your people might need. 

Bit Famous offers coaching for leaders and those on their journey into leadership. In particular, we specialise in executive presence, visibility coaching, presentation skills and confidence coaching. Our coaching is directional (we guide you rather than expecting you to find all the answers!) 

Are you shopping for a business coach? Book a no-obligation discovery call with Bit Famous.

How coaching works - Establish rapport

You or the person you are arranging coaching for must have a rapport with your potential coach. If arranging a coach for a team member, set up a chemistry call to establish trust. This initial conversation or meeting will determine if the coach and client are a good fit for one another.

How coaching works - Goal setting

Once you've found the ideal coach, it's time to work on your goals. The coach and client will work together to set specific, measurable, achievable, relevant goals and crucially decide a time scale to achieve them.

For example, you might wish to increase the visibility and executive presence of an emerging leader. Their goals might be to work on the practical skills and confidence needed to:

• Have greater impact and influence in their organisations and be better equipped to communicate with confidence.
• Improve their visibility with clients, candidates, colleagues, investors, suppliers and stakeholders, as confident and inspiring thought leaders.
• Be more confident and impactful when speaking and presenting.
• Build the confidence they need to achieve these goals.

How coaching works - Why are goals important?

Setting goals are key to the coaching process because they:

1. Provide direction: Goals give the coaching relationship a clear sense of direction. They help the client and coach stay focused on what is important, and ensure the coaching process is aligned with the client's desired outcomes.
2. Increase motivation: Setting meaningful goals can increase the client's motivation and commitment to the coaching process. When clients have a clear understanding of what they want to achieve, they are more likely to be enthusiastic and engaged in the coaching relationship.
3. Offer clarity: Goals provide clarity and a sense of purpose for the coaching process. They help the client to identify what they need to work on and what steps they need to take to achieve their desired outcomes.
4. Enhance accountability: Goals provide a measurable way to track progress and evaluate success. They help the client and coach to hold each other accountable for progress towards the goals, so that the coaching process is effective and productive.
5. Promote self-awareness: Goal setting requires the client to reflect on their current situation and identify areas for improvement. This process can promote self-awareness and help the client to develop a clearer understanding of their strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for growth.

How coaching works - Creating a plan

Once the goals are established, the coach and client will work together to create an action plan to achieve them. This will include:

1. Identifying the tasks

Goals are more achievable once broken down into specific more manageable and achievable tasks. So to use our example of an emerging leader, their tasks to achieve better influence and impact might include:

• Creating a plan to expand their network.
• Presentation skills training and practice.
• Work on verbal and non-verbal communication skills including.
• Looking for opportunities to speak internally and at external events.
• Developing contacts and influence by joining industry associations.
• Looking for opportunities to share thought leadership via podcasts, social or mainstream media.
• A session to explore confidence and mindset, discussing and challenging limiting beliefs. 

2. Set deadlines 

Establish deadlines for each task in your action plan. This will help you stay on track and ensure that you are making progress towards your goal.

3. Determine the resources

Consider what resources you will need to complete each task in your action plan. This may include people, equipment, software, or training materials. Ensure that you have access to the necessary resources before starting the task.

How coaching works - Develop an accountability system

Establish a system of accountability to keep you on track and motivated. This can be as simple as setting up reminders or asking a friend or colleague to check in with you on your progress.

How coaching works - Evaluating progress

Throughout the coaching process, the coach and client will evaluate progress towards the goals. This may involve adjusting the plan or goals as needed to ensure they are aligned with the client's desired outcomes.

How coaching works - Closing the coaching relationship.

Once the client has achieved their goals or the coaching process has come to an end, the coach and client will typically wrap up the coaching relationship. This may involve a final conversation or evaluation of the client's progress, as well as any future plans or goals the client may have.