How to Structure Your Coaching Session in 5 Steps (+Template)

Tips for Running a Successful Coaching Session

Here are six practical tips that I use in my own coaching sessions to help you conduct successful sessions:

#1 Ask Powerful Questions

Coaching questions are a fundamental aspect of any effective coaching session. When I ask my clients questions, I make sure to keep them open-ended and thought-provoking. 

By asking powerful coaching questions, you can help clients explore their thoughts and feelings, clarify their needs, and uncover solutions to their challenges. These questions foster greater clarity and help clients connect their goals to their larger life themes. 

Here are five powerful coaching questions I often use to lead a coaching session:

“What has been on your mind most prominently since our last session?”
“What success from the past week would you like to build on today?”
“Where do you feel the most challenged right now?”
“How does this goal align with your values and long-term objectives?”
“What would you like to accomplish in today’s session to feel it was successful?”

#2 Try Goal-Setting Models

Coaching models like SMART, GROW, and CLEAR provide structured approaches to setting effective goals. 

The idea is to create a clear and actionable path for clients that aligns with their objectives. 

Each model offers a different lens through which to view goal setting:

SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound): Ensures goals are well-defined and trackable.
GROW (Goal, Reality, Options, Will): Facilitates a comprehensive exploration of goals, current realities, possible options, and the commitment to act.
CLEAR (Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, Refinable): Focuses on goals that are flexible, emotionally engaging, and collaborative.

There are more coaching models like WOOP, Oscar, Solution-focused, CIGAR, FUEL, AOR and STEPPA. I have written a detailed article covering all these coaching models to help you evaluate which one works best for your clients. 

These models encourage a systematic approach to goal setting, ensuring that goals are well-defined and also inspiring and realistically attainable.

My advice – don’t try all models at once. Pick one wisely, depending on the needs of your client and how quickly they want to achieve the outcome. 

#3 Practice Active Listening and Empathy

Active listening is a core skill in coaching and one of the 11 critical component of the International Coaching Federation (ICF) Core Competencies. It involves fully concentrating, understanding, responding, and then remembering what the client says. This practice helps in building a strong, trusting relationship between coach and client. 

When you, as a coach, listen actively, you become better equipped to understand the client’s perspective and provide support that is genuinely reflective of the client’s needs and feelings. 

Empathy goes hand-in-hand with active listening, as it requires you to put yourself in the client’s shoes, promoting a deeper connection and understanding. 

Together, active listening and empathy create a supportive and understanding environment that facilitates meaningful change and growth.

#4. Start and End on a High Note

I have always believed that a coach is also a friend. You have to make friends with your clients. Your aura should exude positivity and give them good energy. 

When I start my sessions, no matter how I am feeling—obviously, I’m human too, and there are days when I don’t feel good—I don’t let my mood dictate my coaching sessions. 

I welcome my clients with a warm smile and an enthusiastic attitude, setting a positive tone and reassuring them that we will get things done today. 

It’s crucial to begin each session by setting a positive, welcoming tone and to end by acknowledging the client’s effort and progress. This practice boosts morale and also leaves the client feeling valued and motivated.

#5. Build Trust and Encourage Openness

A successful coaching relationship is grounded in trust. Make it a priority to establish a safe, confidential environment where clients feel secure enough to share openly and honestly.

I build rapport with my clients by actively listening to them, showing genuine interest and empathy, and being reliable and consistent in my interactions. 

Sharing a bit about myself helps create a personal connection, while positive reinforcement boosts their confidence. 

Encouraging open communication and ensuring confidentiality assures clients that our sessions are a safe space for them to express themselves freely.

#6. Direct the Session’s Focus

As the coach, it’s your responsibility to guide the conversation to ensure it remains productive and aligned with the client’s goals.

Whenever I see we are detracting from the main agenda, I gently nudge the conversation back on track by reminding the client of their goals and the agenda we set at the beginning. 

This approach ensures that our sessions remain focused, allowing us to make the most of our time together.

#7. Take Note of Important Points

During the session, jot down key insights and action items. This helps in tracking progress. You’ll see it will aid you in your preparation for future sessions as well. 

As I coach more than a dozen clients in a single day, I always make notes to ensure I remember important details from each session.

 As your client base expands, you have to become organized to maintain the quality of your coaching and to provide personalized guidance to each client.

#8. Adapt to Different Personalities

Be prepared to meet a variety of personalities. Flexibility in your coaching approach is key to dealing with different client temperaments and perspectives. 

There will be difficult clients, but you know what? The difficult ones often end up becoming your biggest fans if you handle them with patience and understanding. 

Working with them will not be easy, but the effort you put into building a strong relationship and helping them overcome their challenges will pay off in the long run.

#9. Ensure a Constructive Close

Always conclude sessions by summarizing key achievements and next steps. This adds to the session’s value. It gives your client something to look forward to and keeps them committed to their development path with you. 

Here’s what I do: I give them a bit of “homework.” This could be a task or reflection that ties into what we discussed and keeps them motivated toward their goals between sessions. 

This approach keeps the momentum going. You can give them a worksheet to document their goals. I am attaching a template below that you can make use of:

Implementing these strategies in your coaching sessions will greatly improve the structure and outcome of your coaching sessions. Make sure to give it a try!

If you need help structuring your coaching sessions effectively as per your niche, then look no further. We have the tools and resources to design the ultimate coaching program for your session.