Coaching Conversations Shouldn’t Seem Like Regular Conversations

How Coaching Conversations Differ From Regular Conversations

You know they’re different, but how exactly? Here’s a short list along with some brief commentary.

There’s often a singular topic. Regular conversations may cover multiple topics.
They are focused on forward action. Regular conversations aren’t necessarily about taking action. Coaching conversations definitely are.
The client does most of the talking. In a regular conversation, both people may speak equally.
There’s often talk about change. Regular conversations may not have anything to do with change.
There may be periods of silence. Regular conversations not only may have no silence, but one person may interrupt the other.
They may stay in the mind long afterwards. Regular conversations may be impactful at times but may also be quickly forgotten.
They may be quite challenging. Regular conversations are usually not so challenging by design.
They have a clear beginning, middle and end. Again, regular conversations may meander and not have any clear structure.
They are focused on one of the two people. Regular conversations may shift back and forth without one of the people being the clear focus throughout.
They have accountability built in. Regular conversations aren’t about accountability unless one of the participants pushes it in there.
They have check-ins to ensure progress is being made. Regular conversations do not have these.

This is a short list, but I think you get the point. Do your clients feel the difference?

They should feel like your coaching sessions are not regular conversations. That will put them in a different frame of mind when they get to the coaching space, which makes your job easier. Keep at it!

We hope this post has been helpful to you on your coaching journey. If you’d like to go further with our instruction, consider joining the Center for Executive Coaching. We have 3 levels of enrollment and payment plans to suit your pace and budget. Learn more here, or contact us to learn more.

Want to learn more about conversations? Read our article on “Why we don’t stack questions in coaching conversations.”

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