It’s been know for some time that the number one factor affecting the success or failure of a coaching engagement, is the relationship between coach and client. This makes sense if you consider that coaching is founded on the ability of the client to talk freely about whatever they need to. Most organisations I work with understand this and the importance of making sure the ‘chemistry’ is right from the get go. Its now fairly usual as a coach to be asked to be part of an initial ‘beauty parade’, giving the client the option of several coaches to pick from. I think this is great, as it puts the client in the driving seat right from the start and sends a clear message that they are in charge of the relationship.
However, some organisations still don’t seem to do this. The pattern is much more about the client being ‘sent’ for coaching, and the client gets little choice about who they work with. This doesn’t give the coaching engagement the best chance of success. Initial sessions are often taken up with building a trusting relationship rather getting started on the work. And sometimes the relationship just doesn’t ‘click’ and the work doesn’t happen. A waste of time, effort and money for all involved.