Choosing to get into coaching is a major investment. Whether you elected to have a coach on your own or your organization chose to supply you with one, coaching is an investment of both time and money.

Whatever your coaching objective is, it is critical that you, as the coachee, understand how to get the most out of your coaching experience.

Do the pre-session work

Many coaches will provide pre-session work to be completed before each coaching session. This may include activities such as reading materials, completing exercises, or reflecting on your goals and progress. By completing the pre-session work, you can ensure that you are prepared for the coaching session and can make the most of the time with your coach.

Be prepared to think

Coaching sessions are an opportunity for you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs, and to challenge yourself to think in new and creative ways. Be prepared to engage in deep and reflective thinking during your sessions, and to push yourself outside of your comfort zone.

Be prepared to be challenged

Coaching is not about providing you with answers or solutions; it is about helping you to discover your own answers and solutions. Be prepared for your coach to challenge you and to ask you tough questions that may be difficult to answer. This is a normal and important part of the coaching process, and can help you to uncover new insights and perspectives.

Think outside the box, try alternatives

Coaching is all about exploring new possibilities and finding creative ways to achieve your goals. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and to consider alternatives that may not have occurred to you before. Your coach can help you to generate new ideas and to explore different options, so be open to trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Update your coach on your progress and work out any kinks in the initial plan or make improvements

Coaching is a dynamic and ongoing process, and your goals and plans may change over time. Be sure to regularly update your coach on your progress and any changes or challenges you are facing. Your coach can help you to adjust your plan and to overcome any obstacles that may be standing in your way. By working together, you can ensure that your coaching experience is as effective and successful as possible.

Mistakes to avoid in coaching

Be late/cancel last minute

Because you are late, your session will not necessarily be extended to accommodate you. Most coaches have other clients scheduled. A session extension will disadvantage other clients. It is preferable to notify the coach of any concerns that arise and reschedule as soon as possible or according to the parameters outlined in your coaching contract. You want to make the most of your time with your coach, so arrive on time. It is also polite to be on time.

Not do the pre-session work

The purpose of pre-session work is to help you reflect on your progress since the last session and determine if you need to make any changes to your action actions. Pre-session work will also help you select what you want to work on in the upcoming session, whether to continue working on an old issue or begin working on a new one.

Use the session to vent

Instead of grumbling and complaining, use the coaching space to develop answers that will move you closer to your goals. Of course, you are human, and things do not always go as planned, and we require a listening ear. This is very understandable. However, in the coaching space, use the opportunity to pick what you want to feel instead. It is preferable to reschedule a session if you are not feeling very resourceful on that particular day.

Ask for advice or opinion

The role of a coach is to assist you in resourcing your ideas, information, experience, and wisdom. There are numerous sources of advice. Coaching can help you extend your awareness by giving you the space and time to do so. A coach does not tell you what to do, but rather holds the space for you to realize your full potential.

Not work on your action steps

What is the point of coaching if no changes are being made or experienced? It is crucial, for coaching to succeed, for you to work on the agreed on action steps, whether it is a to-do list or a mindset adjustment. Results occur more outside of coaching sessions than within them.

Not stay accountable

The easiest approach to do this is to ask someone you know and trust to continually checking in on you and encourage you to reach your goals. Another option is to include it into your daily routine by adding action steps to your calendar/task list and setting alarms and reminders to keep you on track.