Facilitating Learning and Results for Engaging Coaching Clients

In the last three blogs we covered specific application of the core competencies of a coach for engaging coaching clients.  The11 Core Competencies are from the International Coach Federation, ICF, and taught during coach training.  Now we move to the application of the remaining competencies to engage new coaching clients.

The fourth area and last four competencies of the 11 are:

8. Facilitating Learning and Results
   8. Creating Awareness
   9. Designing Actions
   10. Planning and Goal Setting
   11. Managing Progress and Accountability

Engaging new clients calls for your network and people you meet being aware of your coaching services.  Some of the awareness comes from providing information about what you offer on your website and in social media.  Some of it comes from speaking and training engagements.  In conversations, it is often as simple as asking, “What is your understanding of coaching?”  If they respond in a way that shows they are unaware, simply say, “That is a common misunderstanding.”  Then you can explain coaching.  If their response indicates and accurate awareness, or after explaining coaching, ask, “How will coaching benefit you?”  Simply put, you are using what you learned in coach training to create awareness, asking questions.

When talking with people, model the coaching competencies of Designing Actions plus Planning and Goal Setting.  Ask about their work, what they like, and their challenges.  Then ask how they move past those challenges.  Model how coaching helps them think through and plan for themselves. When you ask people about moving past challenges, challenge and expand their thinking as is possible and appropriate. Then support them in deciding on action steps plus planning for what they want to accomplish.

Often applying other coaching competencies also demonstrates how having a coach means having an accountability partner.  Look for an opportunity to ask, “How does having an accountability partner benefit you?”

Applying your competencies for facilitating learning and results in your conversations models what you offer and invites people to explore your services.