The 6 Phases in a Coaching Process

Coaching is a process that involves different phases, specifically 6, which a coach must apply so that the client understands the trajectory of his or her path. However, it is of utmost importance to clearly identify what the process and its phases entail and separate it from what a coaching method is. It is true that both terms are similar, process and method, but they have different meanings.

Therefore, it is worth mentioning that a coach who knows the 6 key phases is the one who will achieve optimal results. To do this, you can imagine that you were trying to take a client from a certain place to their new destination, helping them to face the conditions and challenges along the way. Therefore, talking about a coaching process is pointing towards a reality that is quite complex.

In this post you will learn what it entails and how to differentiate it from the methods.

Is a process the same as a coaching method?

The first thing you need to know before moving on to the phases of the coaching process is whether a process is the same as a method. As we have said before, both terms seem very similar, but they refer to different aspects. Therefore, the reality is that process and method are not the same. So, what are they? A process is a sum of elements that, together, achieve an expected result.

In this sense, we have several processes that allow us to do the work; for example, a coach has access to the SPIB tool or the well-known Wheel of Life, which lead to a result or final product.. Ahora, un método se refiere a la forma o manera como un coach ejerce el coaching; es su desempeño , through which it does its work in a sequential and orderly manner by applying the processes.

The 6 Phases in a Coaching Process

There are some well-known coaching methods, such as Grow and Direct. However, in the case of a coaching process, more steps are required to ensure that the method is more complete. And this is especially beneficial for those who are newer to the field. Therefore, below you can see each of these 6 phases of the T-COACH.

1. T – TRUST: Confidence

Trust is a necessity in the coach-client relationship. If a client feels that he or she is not dealing with a trustworthy person, the expected outcome will be limited. That is why coaches have the responsibility of creating an environment where the client feels safe and calm. To do this, the following two points are useful:

• Respect: Every Coach must be respectful with each of their clients. This involves valuing their identity, perception, style, language. It also encompasses each client’s unique talents and abilities.

• Integrity: Before starting coaching, the client must know what they are getting into. And part of this phase of the process is to ensure that you are in an honest environment where everything is confidential.

2. C – CLARITY: Clarify

In a Coach-Client conversation you may notice that the client is not clear about the situation they are facing and what they need to address. For example, you may have several issues that seem to be very important. If so, the coach has the task of understanding the situation and helping the client to do so. To do this, you can apply these two steps:

1. Guide the client to understand the real situation.
2. Confirm that your perception of the issue is the same as the client’s. In this case, you can ask specific questions to help you validate.

3. O – OBJECTIVE: Objective

The “Goal” is more related to the final result that is desired to be obtained, which involves both the final scope and the value of coaching. But this is a friendly stage where the client makes the commitment that he will cooperate with what is proposed. To do this, the following is done:

1. An agreement: A written contract is established where it is guaranteed that all the points that will regulate the process have been understood.
2. Objectives: Results are established that can be measured or evaluated. To do this, you have to be very specific, otherwise you wouldn’t know if you were achieving your goals.

4. A – ANALYSIS: Analysis

In this phase the coach must apply his or her coaching skills and abilities to help the client understand the entire method. Therefore, the following main points are presented:

1. Have a vision of the process and the real situation.
2. See what options there are for action.
3. Set a goal to achieve.
4. Initiate actions according to a plan.
5. Replace thoughts and behaviors.
6. Guide towards achievement.
7. Achieve the desired results.

5. C – COMMUNICATION: Communication

Communication must be an open process, it cannot be forced at any time. The goal is to encourage the client to express themselves and tell stories, for which questions are asked and listening is done. In this field there are 2 key aspects:

1. Listening: This phase should be an active stage where the coach can listen to what is being said and what is not being said to get into context.
2. Evoke: This implies that the coach uses techniques that invite the client to express themselves: questions, metaphors, analogies and even silence.

6. H – HAVE & HOW TO: Have and How

This is a special phase because it goes beyond what the client has managed to understand. Now you need to focus on the “Having and How”, that is, on assessing the tools you have and seeing how to apply them. To do this, aspects such as these are analyzed:

• Resources and skills that the client has.
• The resources and skills you need.
• Different options within reach.
• How to select the right option.
• How to take action with confidence.

Conclusions

After learning about the 6 phases of the coaching process, we understand that it is more than just a technique. Skills such as analyzing, communicating appropriately, establishing agreements and goals, and guiding a client to their destination must be put into practice. Doing so is a sure way to lead a coach to success in his performance.