“Begin with the end in mind” is a well-known Stephen Covey quote you want to keep in mind when hiring a coach. Does that surprise you, coming from a coach? How will you know when it is time to move forward from a coaching relationship? How long is a coaching relationship and does it have to end?
As referenced in How to be a Great Client and the e-book What to Consider When Hiring A Coach, it is important that you are clear why you seek the services of a professional coach. One – the coach needs to know why you seek their services so they can help determine fit. Two – and most importantly, you need to know the specific professional service you seek. Is it coaching, or counseling, or consulting? Similar sounding and oftentimes confused, you can find an explanation of these differences here.
The third reason for defining why you seek the services of a professional coach is to help determine the outcomes you are working to achieve. This will serve your coaching relationship by helping you define the action steps needed. It also provides a way to measure results. Did you get what you came for in the work with the coach?
Sometimes the why and the outcome you want to achieve are fuzzy at best in the beginning. A coach can help with clarity, identifying purpose and putting direction to your actions. This might be just why you need a coach. You may also be very clear about your outcome, yet know you need support and accountability to help you get there. Psst…just writing down your goals won’t make them happen!
Not knowing how to end a coaching relationship can cause some to never enter one. I have yet to work with a coach where I didn’t share a personal connection. It often makes the “fit” in the relationship and a more powerful coaching experience. Yet it might not be one you want to continue indefinitely. So how do you know when to end it? How do you do so?
- Clearly defined outcomes will provide a measuring stick for results. If you’ve gotten what you came for and are confident in your next steps or maintaining the results, it could be time to end the engagement. Share this with the coach and set the stage for maintenance sessions or resuming when needed.
- Clearly defined outcomes will provide a measuring stick for results. If you’ve HAVEN’T gotten what you came for (and you were an engaged and willing client) it could be time to end the relationship. Express your concern, consider the coach’s response, and decide to stay or move on.
- When progress stalls and you are not ready to address the reason, it could be time for a break. There are times to pause, digest and work on the progress made before you move forward again. Share this with the coach and set the stage for maintenance sessions or resuming when needed.
- Any time the relationship with the coach is not working could be time for an end. Raise the issue with your coach, let them know what’s not working and see if a change can be made. If not, move on.
There can be other circumstances that bring an end to a coaching relationship. Yet I have found that clients are more challenged to end a relationship when things have gone well rather than not. And no, the relationship does not have to end. You can continue as friends if the coaching need has been addressed. Or you may find that the coaching relationship continues to evolve as you evolve. Business owner clients often find that an ongoing coaching relationship supports them as they grow as leaders, allowing the coaching to ripple through their organization and their personal lives.
Begin with the end in mind. It provides a measuring point and a touchstone for your next step.