What Makes a Good Client

A good coaching client is someone who actively participates in their own growth and is open to the transformative possibilities that coaching offers. Here are some key qualities and behaviors that contribute to being a good coaching client:

1. Open-Mindedness and Willingness to Learn
   • Being open to new perspectives, feedback, and different ways of thinking.
   • Willing to challenge existing beliefs, consider alternative viewpoints, and embrace discomfort as part of the growth process.
2. Commitment to the Process
   • Showing up consistently and prepared for each session, with a readiness to engage fully.
   • Taking responsibility for their development by setting clear intentions and goals for what they want to achieve in coaching.
   • Completing any agreed-upon actions or reflections between sessions to ensure continuous progress.
3. Self-Awareness and Reflection
   • Having a basic level of self-awareness and a willingness to deepen it. This includes being honest about one's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
   • Engaging in self-reflection to understand one's motivations, fears, and aspirations, which can help in uncovering deeper insights during coaching.
4. Willingness to be Vulnerable
   • Being open to sharing personal experiences, emotions, and challenges authentically.
   • Understanding that vulnerability is a strength in the coaching relationship and that it can lead to deeper insights and breakthroughs.
5. Clarity on Objectives and Outcomes
   • Having a clear understanding of what they hope to achieve through coaching, even if these goals evolve over time.
   • Being proactive in communicating their needs and adjusting goals as necessary to ensure alignment with their aspirations.
6. Readiness to Take Action
   • Recognizing that coaching is not just about talking but about taking meaningful action to create change.
   • Committing to experimenting with new behaviors, strategies, or approaches discussed in the sessions.
7. Receptivity to Feedback
   • Being open to receiving constructive feedback from the coach without becoming defensive or resistant.
   • Seeing feedback as an opportunity for growth and development rather than criticism.
8. Ability to Leverage the Coach’s Expertise
   • Actively tapping into the coach's knowledge, experience, and resources. This could involve asking for tools, models, or frameworks that could support their goals.
   • Seeking clarity on coaching concepts or techniques that can help them navigate challenges or make progress.
9. Honest Communication
   • Communicating openly with the coach about what is or isn’t working in the coaching relationship.
   • Providing feedback to the coach to co-create a space that maximizes their potential for growth.
10. Ownership of Their Journey
    • Understanding that they are ultimately responsible for their own development and results.
    • Taking ownership of their choices, actions, and behaviors rather than expecting the coach to provide all the answers or solutions.
11. Engagement with the Coaching Experience
    • Actively engaging in exercises, reflections, and discussions during sessions.
    • Bringing specific topics, challenges, or aspirations to each session to leverage the coach’s expertise most effectively.
12. Curiosity and Enthusiasm
    • Cultivating a sense of curiosity about themselves and the coaching process.
    • Being eager to explore, ask questions, and learn more about themselves and their potential.

Best Practices for Leveraging Coaching

• Come Prepared: Reflect before each session on what you want to focus on, what insights or progress you’ve made, and any challenges you're facing.

• Be Proactive: Actively participate in sessions and the actions between them. Bring specific topics or goals to discuss and be clear about what you need from the coach.

• Embrace Discomfort: Recognize that growth often happens outside your comfort zone. Be willing to explore difficult areas and face challenging truths.

• Follow Through: Commit to the actions and reflections discussed in the session. The value of coaching often lies in the implementation of new insights and strategies.

• Communicate Needs: Share your needs and preferences with your coach, whether it's how you like to receive feedback or the areas where you need more support.

Here's a checklist for clients to assess how effectively they are engaging in the coaching process:

How Good of a Coaching Client Are You?

For each statement below, rate yourself on a scale from 1 (Rarely) to 5 (Always).

1. Open-Mindedness and Willingness to Learn
   • I am open to new perspectives and feedback.
   • I challenge my own beliefs and consider alternative viewpoints.
2. Commitment to the Process
   • I show up consistently and prepared for each coaching session.
   • I actively work on my development goals between sessions.
3. Self-Awareness and Reflection
   • I am honest about my thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
   • I regularly reflect on my motivations, fears, and aspirations.
4. Willingness to be Vulnerable
   • I am willing to share personal experiences and emotions authentically.
   • I embrace vulnerability as part of my growth journey.
5. Clarity on Objectives and Outcomes
   • I have clear goals for what I want to achieve through coaching.
   • I communicate my needs and adjust my goals as needed.
6. Readiness to Take Action
   • I take meaningful actions based on insights from coaching sessions.
   • I am open to experimenting with new behaviors and strategies.
7. Receptivity to Feedback
   • I am open to constructive feedback from my coach.
   • I view feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism.
8. Ability to Leverage the Coach’s Expertise
   • I ask for tools, models, or resources that can help me progress.
   • I seek clarity on concepts or techniques to better navigate challenges.
9. Honest Communication
   • I communicate openly about what is or isn’t working in the coaching relationship.
   • I provide feedback to the coach to help create an effective space for growth.
10. Ownership of Their Journey
    • I take responsibility for my choices, actions, and behaviors.
    • I recognize that my development and results are ultimately up to me.
11. Engagement with the Coaching Experience
    • I actively engage in exercises, reflections, and discussions during sessions.
    • I actively engage in exercises, reflections, and discussions during sessions.
12. Curiosity and Enthusiasm
    • I am curious about myself and the coaching process.
    • I am eager to explore and learn more about my potential.

Scoring:

• 50-60: You are highly engaged and maximizing your coaching experience!
• 40-49: You are doing well, but there may be a few areas where you could deepen your engagement.
• 30-39: There are some areas for growth to better leverage your coaching sessions.
• Below 30: Reflect on how you can become more actively involved in the coaching process for greater benefit.

Is Your Client Coachable.

Here’s a great tool!

A good coaching client is someone who actively participates in their own growth and is open to the transformative possibilities that coaching offers. Check out this easy online assessment tool you can use for all your clients:

https://form.jotform.com/242641692577062