Mentor Coach: Bongie Ndimande
29th Mar 2023
Module 6 is about establishing the coaching agreement.
The process of establishing a coaching agreement is paramount in laying the groundwork for a fruitful and efficient coaching relationship. We work with our coachees to delineate the parameters, scope, and aims of our partnership and each subsequent meeting, to ensure that we optimise outcomes and function harmoniously and effectively.
The Coaching Agreement provides clarity and focuses on starting a coaching journey on the right foot.
According to ICF, “Establishes and Maintains Agreements” means:
Partners with the client and relevant stakeholders to create clear agreements about the coaching relationship, process, plans and goals.
Establishes agreements for the overall coaching engagement and those for each coaching session.
Although ICF expands the above with additional 11 points (which, again, I believe some of them are superfluous), they are barely helpful. ? It’s more like a “What” instead of a “How”.
I prefer the sweet and straightforward “How’s” CCC presents below:
What Goes Into A Coaching Agreement?
- What IS / What is NOT Coaching?
- Expectations of the Coach
- Expectations of the Coachee
- Areas of Focus (or Goals) of the Coachee
- A Simple 1-Pager “Get to Know” survey
- Number of sessions
- Regularity of sessions
- Length of sessions
- Location of sessions
- Re-scheduling sessions
- Payment terms (e.g.: before, during, after)
- Missed session charges
- Cost of extras or expenses
- Contact details
- Coaching etiquette
- Confidentiality
- Agreement Statement/s and Signature
Combining ICF’s and CCC’s points, below are some crucial pointers I must remember when engaging in a professional coaching relationship:
- The definition of coaching and its boundaries, including the sessions’ duration, frequency, length, and logistics, should be clearly stated from the get-go.
- Both parties should agree upon fees and payment terms.
- Additionally, the coach should communicate their role and responsibilities, while the stakeholder(s) and coachee(s) should understand their respective roles and responsibilities.
- Establishing expected outcomes and goals from coaching to address confidentiality, rescheduling, and cancellations is essential.
- A Code of Ethics and Conduct should be in place.
- Finally, an Exit clause should be included to ensure a smooth and respectful conclusion to the coaching relationship.
That said, ICF’s “Partners with the client to manage the time and focus of the session” and CCC’s “Length of sessions” are close to my heart.
Why?
Because if I can finish a session in 30 minutes, I see no point in dragging it to one hour to ‘make the session worth it.’
It’s like how I write – if I can use one word to describe something, I won’t use two. ?
