I have worked as a Careers Adviser with students and graduates in HE for 5 years now, primarily using a single interaction model for delivering career support. Therefore, when I began my ILM Level 3 coaching qualification last year, one of the most challenging aspects was linking the sessions and supporting one individual over an extended period. Although I have had students and graduates return a few times, there was never an expectation that the current appointment needed to connect with the last one or a future appointment.

In the early days of my coaching, I felt quite overwhelmed by meeting with one individual six times. Where do I start? Where do I go? Where do I end? More than anything, I was afraid of the sessions in the middle, worried that things could lose their way. So, how did I overcome this challenge of moving from a single interaction model to multiple linked sessions?

Explain the Process

Prior to beginning the coaching, I like to meet with my client for around 20-30 minutes for an introductory call. Some private coaches may refer to this as a ‘discovery call,’ but this typically has a sales element. As I am not currently a private coach, I am not invested in selling coaching to the individual. However, I do explain the potential benefits of coaching and its power, while clarifying that results will only come from their work and effort. During the introductory call, I explain what coaching is and what it is not. I take time to speak with the client and assess if coaching is what they need; sometimes, it may become apparent that they would benefit more from a mentor. I also like to understand their motivations for opting for coaching, as this process requires significant effort from them, and I need to ensure they are committed to taking action.

Contract

If they decide to proceed with the coaching, we agree on the number of sessions at this point. This helps both the coach and the client avoid any awkward endings or expectations of an ongoing arrangement. If you are a private coach, I recommend offering your coaching in blocks, for example, a 6-week block of sessions.

Initially, I was confused about the contracting of a block of coaching sessions. Through experience, I learned to set out a clear contract at the beginning of the block of sessions and use a physical contract for this. During each individual session, I also contract the specific focus for that session.

Keep Notes

Coming from a background of single interactions, I quickly learned the importance of keeping notes for coaching sessions. It would have been impossible to link the sessions without notes to refer to from previous meetings. Just remember to agree with the client on why, where, and when notes are being used and how they will be stored.

Use the 3R’s Linking Process

I created this three-step process to use at the beginning of each session to keep me on track and enable me to link the previous session to the current one:

1. Recap: A brief recap of what was discussed and agreed in the last session, such as, ‘These are the main topics we discussed last time, and you decided to take XXX actions.’
2. Revise: A summary of recent developments since the last session, such as, ‘What’s been happening since we last met?’
3. Roadmap: A roadmap of key topics: ‘What do you hope to achieve today?’

Use a Coaching Model

Use a coaching model in each session, such as GROW or OSCAR. This will help maintain the structure of each session while working towards the longer-term goal. You could also use a progress chart from the first session to the last. This can be a powerful way to monitor progress, ensure the original aim remains the focus, and help with the evaluation at the end.

Draw the Process to a Close

In your penultimate session with the client, you might wish to reconfirm that your sessions are coming to an end. The penultimate session is also a good time to address if further sessions are needed and if this is something the client wants. If you do offer more sessions, be specific about the number, as it is good to avoid having an open-ended arrangement. In your final session, look back over everything that has been accomplished and ask the client what their takeaways have been and what they will focus on next.

In conclusion, transitioning from single interactions to a connected series is both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. By implementing strategies such as clear contractual agreements, diligent note-taking practices, and structured frameworks like the 3R’s Linking Process, you can navigate this with confidence. Using coaching models like GROW or OSCAR adds further depth and structure to sessions, while ensuring a clear roadmap towards achieving client goals. Ultimately, mastering coaching continuity unlocks the full potential of the coaching journey, empowering clients to achieve lasting transformation and success.

References

Whitmore, J., 2009. Coaching for Performance: Growing Human Potential and Purpose: The Principles and Practice of Coaching and Leadership. 4th ed. Boston: Nicholas Brealey Publishing.

Markland, E., 2017. Coaching Models: A Guide to Model Development and Use in Coaching. London: Routledge.