Leadership coaching is most effective when it follows a clear and well-structured coaching process. While every coaching relationship is tailored to the individual, understanding the typical stages helps you know what to expect and how to get the best results.
1. Coaching Process: Initial Assessment
The first stage is an initial assessment. This may involve self-reflection exercises, personality profiles or 360-degree feedback from colleagues and team members. The aim is to build a comprehensive picture of your strengths, weaknesses and areas for development. This insight forms the foundation of the coaching plan and ensures that the coaching process stays focused and relevant to your personal and professional goals.
2. Goal Setting and Action Planning
Once the assessment is complete, the next step is to set specific, measurable goals that align with your wider career aspirations. These objectives should be challenging yet achievable. Together, you and your coach create a detailed action plan outlining the skills and behaviours you need to develop. This plan includes targeted strategies and practical exercises, while also identifying potential obstacles and ways to overcome them. Establishing clear goals at this stage keeps the coaching process purposeful and measurable.
3. Regular One-to-One Sessions
The heart of the coaching process lies in regular one-to-one sessions. These may take place in person, by phone or via video call, depending on what suits you best. During each session, your coach provides feedback, guidance and support to help you stay on track. They also encourage you to reflect on your experiences, recognise emerging patterns and adjust strategies when necessary. This continuous loop of reflection and action is what gives the coaching process its power to create meaningful and lasting change.
4. Feedback and Accountability Throughout the Coaching Programme
Throughout the coaching process, honest feedback and accountability play a vital role. Your coach acts as both a sounding board and a partner who holds you responsible for the commitments you set. This ensures steady progress, celebrates successes and addresses challenges before they become setbacks. Regular check-ins reinforce motivation and keep you focused on achieving your goals.
5. Review and Sustain Results After the Coaching Process
As the coaching process moves towards completion, you and your coach review the progress made and the outcomes achieved. Together you identify the habits, mindsets and new skills that will sustain your growth beyond the formal coaching relationship. This final step ensures that the impact of the coaching process continues to support your leadership development long after the sessions conclude.
Coming next: The next article in this series, Coaching Success Stories: Real-Life Transformation Through Leadership Support, will be published in two weeks. Subscribe to the HELM blog to be notified when it goes live and to keep building your leadership toolkit.
For more day-to-day insights and examples of the coaching process in action, head over to the HELM LinkedIn page.
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