The Exploratory Session--what to expect

Your first session with your coach is primarily exploratory in nature--getting to know each other and learning about the details of your situation and environment. This session will likely result in some new insights, but that is not the goal of the session. The goal is a better understanding of the environment in which you operate--which will "color" many of the coach's responses.

In this "meeting" your coach will ask a lot of questions to be sure he/she has a grasp of the situation (including the context in which you are operating, the unique challenges you are facing, the degree and severity of the concerns, etc.). You might wonder why certain questions are asked, but a skilled coach knows how to use questions effectively to get at key issues.

You might find the following questions helpful as you think about your issue(s) and prepare to talk with your coach:

• What is happening?

• How/when did the issue or problem first surface?

• What impact is this situation having on you and others?

• What have you done so far to deal with this issue?

• What has been the results of those efforts? 

  •     Improvement?

  •     Improvement followed by relapse?

  •     Worsening situation?

  •     No Change?

• What would an ideal outcome look like to you?

• Is that outcome achievable? What would it take?

• What action have you been avoiding? Why?

• What would be required of you to take a different approach?

• What might be the consequences of taking a different approach?

• Are you clear on the options available or do you feel you are likely overlooking some?
  

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