Coaching Mistake #3.
"Do not announce work rules."

At the very beginning of each session, we talk about the rules of working with clients, so that we don't face misunderstandings and miscommunication during a coaching session.

Let's remember them once again:

1. A coaching session lasts from 30 to 90 minutes. It all depends on the request.
2. All information is strictly confidential.
3. Taking notes, which will help at the right time to remind the client of what he was talking about.
4. A coaching session takes place in the classic style, in which the coach does not give advice. But if a topic is touched on, in which the coach is an expert, if the client does not object, the coach can give his advice.
5. Clarify if the client still has questions.

Let's look at the possible scenarios if you don't voice the rules:

1. If the client does not have an hour and a half of time, which is how much time you might need, he can interrupt the session in the middle of work, apologize, and leave with nothing.

2. If you don't tell the client that the information is strictly confidential, he may be a little closed off and tense in his communication.

3. The client shouldn't have to guess what the coach is writing there and for what purpose. He most likely won't ask what kind of notes coach keeps, but he will be careful with his answers.

4. According to the standards of the European Coaching Federation (ECF), a coach can use a mixed style of work. Become a consultant, mentor, tutor and coach for the client, as long as the coach gets the client's permission at the beginning of the meeting.

Now you must be surprised that a coach can work in this style? Yes, it's true. By ECF standards it can, by ICF standards, it can't. Why is that? The answer is why we will cut three turbines off an airplane that can fly on four? If you're an expert, or have a successful past experience in a client's request, why not speed up the process to reach his goal? After all, that's what we work with our clients for and it has to be done professionally.

When we can give a recommendation:

1. The client asked you to do this when he really have nothing more to add to his action plan.

2. You see that the action plan at the end of the session is not enough to achieve the client's goal.

For example, you might ask, "Can I give you some advice? I have been dealing with this issue for the last 5 years and I am an expert in this field."

If you want to know more about the mistakes of coaches, you can download a fragment or buy my book: "50 Mistakes of a Beginning Coach".

Sincerely, Vlad Shakh.