Plan and conduct a session

How is a real coaching session conducted?

Coaching sessions are fundamental to help people identify their challenges and find effective solutions. They are based on a fluid dialogue between coach and client, in which ideas come and go. The ABC of coaching focuses on three crucial steps:

1. Assessing the challenge: The client describes his or her problem to the coach.
2. Brainstorming alternatives: Generating ideas for different approaches.
3. Creating a solution: Identifying and implementing the best strategy.

What is involved in assessing the challenge?

Assessing the challenge means clearly identifying the problem facing the client. It is the first step in the coaching process and sets the tone for the entire session. The coach should ask questions that guide the client to detail the problem, as seen in the example:

• The client may say, "I feel very nervous about having to negotiate."
• The coach probes further, pointing toward the issue of conflict management.

This step is crucial as it establishes the context of the problem and avoids misunderstandings in the future. The coach should not impose his or her vision, but rather help the client articulate his or her challenge as accurately as possible.

How do you conduct effective brainstorming?

Brainstorming is an essential component of the coaching process. It allows the client to explore multiple solutions freely, without judgment or constraint. During this stage, the coach should:

• Facilitate a safe environment where the client feels confident to express his or her thoughts.
• Encourage creativity by listing options, even those that seem extreme or unlikely.
• Write down all proposed ideas for future reference.

An example of this stage is to explore from absurd to practical solutions, such as approaching a conflict by avoiding all negotiation or, on the other hand, facing all situations with a winning spirit.

The goal is to identify a wide range of potential strategies, so that the client has a variety of options when considering a possible solution.

How do you create a suitable solution?

Once alternatives have been explored, the coach and client collaborate to construct a practical and effective solution. At this point, the coach's expertise can be particularly helpful in:

• Review and prioritize the options generated during brainstorming.
• Offer advice on how to implement the selected ideas.
• Ensure that the action plan is concrete and achievable, encouraging a "win-win" approach, where both parties gain benefits.

A client might decide to improve his or her preparation before a negotiation, while the coach suggests techniques such as power balancing and empathic listening. In the end, the participants agree on a plan and the client is prepared to implement it over a specified period, testing and adjusting as needed.

How do you ensure success in your coaching sessions?

The key to being an effective coach is ongoing practice and developing trusting relationships. Here are some tips to strengthen your coaching skills:

• Find a practice partner: Find someone you trust, such as a friend or colleague, who is willing to participate in practice sessions.
• Communicate your goals: Inform your partner that you are practicing to become a professional coach and offer sessions as part of your training.
• Structure your sessions: Follow the ABC model to organize your sessions effectively.
• Ask for feedback: Ask your partner to share his or her experience, which will allow you to adjust and improve your technique.

By implementing these practices, you will cultivate the confidence and experience necessary to help your clients achieve their goals and, in turn, motivate yourself to continue developing as a professional coach. Go and amaze the world with your skills!