How to Coach Yourself and Others Techniques For Coaching | Page 386
coaching in the future. However, even though they have made
significant change and are ready to shift to once-a-month coaching,
clients still need their coach to hold them accountable. How do you do
that? With the same tools you use for weekly accountability: progress
reports and assignments. Clients can report once per month on their
progress and choose due dates on their homework to keep them on
target.
Contact
With all the wonders of technology, nothing will ever replace human
contact—a voice, a touch, a smile. People need each other. The simple
efforts you make to stay in contact with your coaching clients on a
regular basis make a lasting difference in what they are willing and able
to accomplish. Use both in-person and virtual contact to support your
clients in maintaining change.
In-Person. Most of my coaching clients live outside of my immediate
geographical area, so our in-person contact is by voice during our
coaching calls. Although I have conducted a few coaching sessions via email, direct contact by phone is by far the most motivating form of
communication. If clients are struggling with big changes and would be
encouraged to hear your voice between sessions, make a quick call
during the week to give them an extra energy boost.
Virtual. Most of my coaching clients report on their homework via email before their next coaching session. I always provide feedback
within 24–48 hours, acknowledging their message and making
comments or answering any questions they may have. I also like to
send an e-mail to my monthly clients every couple of weeks to say hello
and ask how they are doing on their goals. Use e-mail as a tool to stay in
touch with your clients and to provide feedback and encouragement
between sessions.
And of course, “snail mail” is still a favorite way I like to stay in touch
with clients. It seems so rare these days to receive a kind note in the
mail; making that extra effort to congratulate clients on progress really
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