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Coaching and mentoring

How does it work?

Initial enquiry and contracting

Bullet point tick Our coaching is geared to the needs of leaders and managers, typically senior managers and also new managers.

Bullet point tick The initial enquiry may come from the coachee themselves, or from their line manager or HR partner (sponsor).

Bullet point tick We ask questions at this stage to understand the aims of the coaching.

Bullet point tick If a sponsor is involved, we may all meet for a ‘contracting discussion’ where performance goals for the coaching are discussed and agreed by all parties. These are public goals and the coach will feedback to the sponsor on progress against these goals. These goals may include both short-term and long-term goals.

Pre-coaching call

Bullet point tick We then arrange a pre-coaching, or ‘chemistry’, call with the coachee – this is free of charge and takes around 30 minutes. It’s an important step for the coach and coachee to clarify the aims for coaching and for both to decide if they would be a good fit to work together. There is no obligation at this point to go any further.

Bullet point tick If there is a sponsor, a high level of transparency and openness is required from the sponsor and the coachee. It is essential that the coachee is clear what is being asked of them by the business.

Bullet point tick Following a successful chemistry meeting, clients commit to an initial period, usually 6 or 9 sessions. This can be shorter or longer depending on the purpose of the coaching.

The first session

Bullet point tick The first session is usually about exploring the coachee’s situation in more detail.

Bullet point tick This is also the session where we seek to understand the goals in terms of the change the coachee wants to see, or what they want to achieve.

Bullet point tick At this session, we emphasise how vital it is that the coachee is open-minded, honest, and committed to make changes and take action.

Bullet point tick We agree an action plan at the end of the first session (and each further session).

Bullet point tick The action plan may include a variety of actions or learning to help the coachee develop between sessions. The coachee should share all actions towards their public goals with their sponsor after each session.

Ongoing sessions

Bullet point tick Each coaching session lasts 60-90 minutes and takes place every 4-6 weeks – this may be sooner depending on the purpose of the coaching.

Bullet point tick There are actions and learning for the coachee to complete between sessions – commitment and focus is crucial to make sure this is prioritised. Sponsors should check-in with the coachee during this time to provide encouragement and support.

Bullet point tick Feedback is provided to sponsors on progress towards ‘public goals’ and on completion of any actions and learning between sessions.

Bullet point tick During the coaching programme, private goals may also emerge to help the coachee move towards achieving their public goals, such as developing their self-confidence. Feedback will not be shared with the sponsor on progress with these goals.

The last session

Bullet point tick The final session is for reflecting on learning and progress and celebrating successes. 

Bullet point tick It’s a good place for the coachee to review what they have learnt about themselves, about their situation and what they might do differently moving forward. 

Bullet point tick Where there is a sponsor, we all meet to review progress, the impact of the coaching and discuss any further support may be needed.

Head shot of Gill Leece within a circular frame

About Gill

Gill is a Learning and Development Consultant and director of Learning Curve. She has decades of experience in learning and development in a corporate environment.

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