At the start of an agile coaching engagement, it’s important to set expectations.
Your client is going to want to know what to expect from you, especially if this is their first time working with a coach.
And you need to be clear on what you’re expecting from them to make the engagement a success.
These are the expectations I communicate with my clients. This is my first time formalizing them, and I am open to feedback.
- I am not here to solve your problems. In fact, in working with me, it may seem like you have more problems than you did before. That’s because I am here to help you uncover them.
- I am not here to give you all the answers. Though I may make some recommendations based on my experience, my goal here is to facilitate you to be self-managing in finding the answers yourselves.
- This is about what works. I will not accept, “That’s how it is at this company.” I will not accept, “This is how we did it at this other company.” This is about doing what’s right for us, here and now.
- You must be engaged. Our success depends on you, not just me. That means showing that you are fully present and participating. If we are not setting up conditions for you to be able to do so, let’s talk about it.
- Keep an open mind. We may try some new things that you don’t understand or agree with. I commit to providing options and having open conversations about them while still challenging you to improve.
- Provide feedback respectfully. I welcome constructive feedback at all times on how I can improve our collaboration.
- Let’s not take things too seriously. Change is awkward. It’s easy to get caught up in it. This is a reminder for myself just as much as it is for my clients. Let’s not forget to lighten up once in a while and embrace the awkwardness.
What do you think? Want to work together?
Photo by Fabian Gieske on Unsplash
Leaving feedback here as I receive it…
Communicate a focus on creating value or helping them realize how to create value for themselves. It’s still a little too much about what you “wont'” do.
What WILL you do instead?
What WILL they do?
Also, doesn’t hurt to write things in a positive voice.
#1: I am here to help you clarify your problem.
#2: I am here to help you explore and find answers you don’t already have.