Every coaching engagement is different, but they all have certain things in common.
I begin by working with the coaching client and his or her manager to identify developmental objectives and goals for the coaching. This results in a strategic direction for the engagement.
Then I collect data. I interview a small (five to seven person) group of people that have been identified by the coaching client and his or her manager. The group generally consists of the client's manager, co workers, subordinates and
internal customers. In rare cases, I also interview external customers. I ask questions that are based on the Career Star Model. I use this to create a profile of the client's strengths and development areas as seen by this group of people.
Next, I use the profile I've generated to work with the client to identify a game plan for the coaching. This includes formalizing goals, and developing an action plan for the coaching engagement.
Once the plan is in place, the actual coaching sessions begin. Most of my engagements last six months (with both the client and I retaining the option to renew).
I meet face to face with the client for two to three hours at least three times during the coaching period. I meet with my coaching clients via 45 minute to one hour teleconferences every other week. My coaching clients and I interact via email as often as the client feels is necessary. I return all e mails within 24 hours. I also offer "just-in-time" telephone support during the work week. Typically, I return calls placed to me in the morning the same afternoon, and calls placed in the afternoon the next morning.
I assist my coaching clients in implementing actions and behavior changes necessary to meet his or her objectives for the coaching. At the end of any six month period, my coaching clients, their manager and I review progress and jointly determine if we are going to engage in another six months of coaching.
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