How do you coach clients to improve performance?

“If you can’t measure it, you can’t improve it” There’s no performance improvement without metrics. Throughout my years of coaching, I’ve discovered that professionals have a tough time with metrics. This often stems from poor problem or opportunity definition eg. If the problem I’m solving is about our dwindling revenues, then what I should measure at the end should be revenue or something close So what about when something is difficult to measure? Yes that’s qualitative impact. How you handle this? Ask for feedback eg. Goal: Be a badass public speaker in 6 months So you ask, on a scale of 1 to 10, could you rate my delivery at xxxx event? This is important because speaking at 10 events is not equal to being a good public speaker

It depends on who/what is driving the engagement. Some clients are referred by their organization for developmental coaching to reach greater levels of contribution or remedial coaching to address barriers to their success. In both cases, while the individual is the client, the sponsoring organization identifies the areas of focus. Self-sponsored individuals set their own coaching agendas based on their developmental goals and needs. In either case, the role of the professional coach is to be an objective and caring other committed to helping clients set and reach attainable goals. This entails holding up a mirror to so they can see their career assets and any limiters and believing in them, sometimes even before they are able to do so!

Here are a couple of examples: 1. What does success look like for you in this situation, and what steps can you take to achieve it? 2. If you were to overcome the barriers that are holding you back, how would that impact your performance and what would be different? 3. What resources or support do you need to accomplish your goals, and how can you access them? These questions are designed to stimulate reflection, encourage clients to envision a positive future, and identify actionable steps towards achieving their goals.

One thing I found helpful when coaching clients is encouraging the practice of intentional self-reflection through the creation of a "Reflection Routine." This routine might include setting aside dedicated time each week to reflect on key decisions, interactions, successes, and challenges. In this process, clients utilize specific questions to guide their reflection, such as "What did I learn from this experience?" "What would I do differently next time?" and "How does this align with my long-term goals?" These questions prompt deep thinking and encourage a focus on continuous improvement. Learn and Grow – that’s a key takeaway.

I would think about all the “steps” here as an approach that’s less linear and more integrated. We should be doing all of these things all the time, not in a specific order or only in that order. Goals, listening, feedback, and positive reinforcement are (should be) the foundation of our engagements with clients. It’s why they hire us! Bring all of these to your sessions all the time, and you’ll create a powerful environment for client growth. 💪