Plan, Plan, and Plan Some More

I'll never forget my third coaching session. By then, I was feeling confident—perhaps even a little cocky. The first two sessions had gone well, and I assumed I had cracked the code of coaching. Preparation? Who needs it? My coachee would talk, I’d listen, ask a few insightful questions, and voilà—coaching magic.

Except, it wasn’t. That session quickly unraveled into a chaotic hour of listening without purpose. My coachee poured out their frustrations, and I nodded along, fumbling for direction. By the end, they left feeling just as lost as when they walked in. That humbling experience taught me a valuable lesson: preparation in coaching isn’t just helpful—it’s essential.

The Paradox of Planning

Preparation in coaching is a paradox. You must plan carefully while staying flexible enough to meet your coachee where they are. It’s like packing for an unknown journey: you may not use everything you bring, but being prepared allows you to adapt to any situation.

Early on, I thought preparation meant rigidly structuring sessions. When coachees deviated from my plan, I struggled to adjust, leaving sessions disjointed. Over time, I’ve learned that preparation isn’t about control—it’s about readiness. It equips you to guide the conversation, no matter the direction it takes.

What Meaningful Preparation Looks Like

Effective preparation is a blend of mental, practical, and emotional readiness.

Mental Preparation

• Check in with yourself: Clear your mind of distractions and ground your energy before the session.

• Review past notes: Refresh your understanding of the coachee’s journey and goals.

• Set an intention: Commit to being fully present and open to the conversation.

• Embrace flexibility: Approach the session with an adaptable mindset.

Practical Preparation

• Gather tools: Have question stems and coaching techniques ready.

• Prepare resources: Bring activities or exercises that might support different pathways.

• Create the right space: Ensure your environment is conducive to focus and connection.

• Be adaptable: Be ready to pivot or abandon your plan entirely if needed.

  
  

Holding Preparation Lightly

The key to effective preparation is holding it lightly. It’s not about rigidly following a script but having a framework to fall back on. This balance lets you stay present and respond authentically to your coachee’s needs.

I once planned a session packed with activities, but within minutes, it became clear my coachee was in a different headspace. My planned exercises were irrelevant. Instead, the preparation I’d done to centre myself and build rapport enabled me to pivot and create a supportive space for them to process their emotions.

The Art of Being Ready

Preparation in coaching is like stocking a well-equipped kitchen before cooking a meal. You might not use every ingredient, but knowing you have them gives you confidence to adapt. Similarly, being present allows you to adjust the “recipe” based on your coachee’s needs.

Final Thoughts: Balance and Transformation

Preparation is an art—a balance between being ready and staying flexible, structured yet open. My third coaching session, where I underprepared, taught me that preparation isn’t optional. It’s what allows us to create meaningful, transformative experiences for our coachees.

When we prepare thoroughly but hold our plans lightly, we foster a space where coachees can grow and thrive. After all, effective coaching isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about creating a space for discovery and transformation.