Resources / Coaching

Setting goals

One of the fundamental reasons that coaching is so popular and successful is that it is based on achieving goals and outcomes developed by the client for the client. Coaching is solutions focused and does not dwell on the past or previous attempts made to change behaviour or overcome an obstacle.One of the fundamental reasons that coaching is so popular and successful is that it is based on achieving goals and outcomes developed by the client for the client. Coaching is solutions focused and does not dwell on the past or previous attempts made to change behaviour or overcome an obstacle.

Goal setting involves a process where the coach will assist the client to really understand what they want to achieve in their lives and how they can get there. The process of goal setting is such an important aspect of the coaching journey because it sets the scene for future work. A coach has expertise around precision questioning and reframing of negative situations that can guide a client to develop powerful and very personal goals. The developing and defining of these personal goals is the first step in implementing the change you want to see in your life.

A coach will spend a significant period of time with a client to really understand and pinpoint precise goals that are important for the client. Creating a well formed and understood goal includes the following elements.

Specific

The more specific the goal the easier it is to formulate a plan to address the required behaviour change. For example instead of saying – I want to improve my ability in public speaking we would have – I will comfortably chair a senior meeting and give a presentation to the next annual general meeting – as a goal.

Timeline

Goals need to have an agreed completion date so that the client is kept focused and sufficiently challenged to remain motivated.

Positive

Goals need to be focused on positive rather than negative statements.

Impact

What will the impact be of achieving the goal on other areas of your life?

Resources

Are you dependent on somebody else to achieve the goal?

Outcome

When you achieve your goal what will it feel like, what will the changes mean in your life, how will others see you differently?

Coaching and feedback

Feedback provided in a coaching environment is very different to feedback you may receive in the workplace or from family and friends. Feedback in the coaching relationship will be a process of reflection and questioning rather than taking a directive approach. The client will be instrumental in the reflection process and will devise a personal assessment of the situation. Feedback in coaching will beFeedback provided in a coaching environment is very different to feedback you may receive in the workplace or from family and friends. Feedback in the coaching relationship will be a process of reflection and questioning rather than taking a directive approach. The client will be instrumental in the reflection process and will devise a personal assessment of the situation. Feedback in coaching will be:

• Observational and non-judgmental
• Clear and specific
• Avoid blame
• Focus on specific behaviour
• Focus on the future
• Give space for the client to evaluate their own performance