To realize any goal, you have to define it first, embrace it as worthy of your investment of time, money and attention and commit to it. It’s this preliminary clarification of purpose, vision, values and desired results that sets the framework for what follows. Having a framework for the coaching program, helps to clarify the process map, clarifies roles and relationships and gives coach and coachee a sense of confidence in the process.
I’ve designed an efficient 5-step process to help me custom-design an effective, that is a SMART coaching program for my clients whether they are independent professionals or large corporations. SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Aligned, Realistic and Time-based.
Step One – Assessment
First, I help my client Identify individual, business or organizational needs, based on strategic objectives to determine best possible personal, professional and business outcomes or objectives, to define the scope of the coaching program.
Step Two – Building the Relationship
Next, I meet with the coaching client(s) to assess where they are now, collect baseline performance data through customized or off-the-shelf assessment tools, identify strengths and weaknesses in all areas that affect their performance (work competencies and life satisfaction) and look to internal and external trends and forces to help identify opportunities and threats, confirming coaching objectives. Identifying areas of work competencies (skills, strengths, values and orientations) cover areas including: leadership, management, production/operations, marketing and 4 functions of emotional intelligence with 8 aspects of self awareness, self management, social awareness and relationship management. Life satisfaction areas include vision, values, and areas for self renewal and self development.
Step Three – Design and Present Strategy
Together with the coaching client we then create a motivating strategy and develop a plan for action-oriented learning and personal development that identifies priorities and aligns the coaching client(s) actions and behaviour with their core values, vision and productive strengths. The coaching plan also identifies success metrics. (How we will measure and recognize success).
Step Four – Coaching
Together with the coaching client we implement the coaching plan. We meet regularly by phone or in person, keeping the client focused and moving forward step-by-step, benefiting from the unbiased, confidential, independent and compassionate coaching support. Consistent support leads to powerful breakthroughs and tremendous, sustainable progress over time.
Step Five – Evaluation
Attentive to the process, we monitor progress throughout the program against the objectives and success indicators we identified at the outset, evaluating outcomes and impact at completion, identifying best practices that provide the coachee with a means to improve their capacity to self-regulate and sustainable success. A formal or informal evaluation with a few reflective questions or a detailed evaluation, depending on the needs of the situation, completes the coaching program.
5 Success Metrics to Consider
- Client Satisfaction – Is the client enjoying and benefiting from the experience?
- Client Development – Is the client acquiring new insights, awareness, knowledge?
- Action Learning – What new behaviours is the client successfully applying?
- Results – How does the client’s new presence and behaviour impact processes and results?
- Return on Investment – What is the benefit-to-cost ratio?
Contact us for more information on the tools you can use to help you get the results you want. Get started today.
“What is not started today, is never finished tomorrow.” Goethe
“Education of the mind without education of the heart is indeed no education at all.” Aristotle
This article was first published in the September 2013 edition of Worldwide Coaching Magazine
About Julia von Flotow
