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Coaches help people analyze their problems, brainstorm options,
find solutions, and make decisions. Beyond that, an important part of
coaching is to come alongside others and help them implement their plans
long-term. An effective tool the coach can use towards that end is
establishing structures.
What do I mean by "establishing structures"?
Here is my definition: A "structure" is any method reminding coachees to
implement their plans.
Most people find it quite easy to generate
options and make decisions as long as they have their coach's support.
They find it difficult, however, to stay on track and implement long-term
goals. Not really because they are not able or skilled to implement their
own plans, but because they are not used to long-term processes. They
simply forget about their plans and goals. Reminders are needed.
Coaches can help their coachees to establish
structures that will remind them of the goals they have set out to reach.
Here are a few examples of structures to stimulate your creativity as you
look for appropriate structures with your coachees (and I suggest you let
them brainstorm a few by themselves):
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 Post-it notes on the desk: These little sticky notes
help us remember many issues that need to be addressed on a daily basis
to achieve long-term change. Why not using them as reminders of goals
and plans agreed upon in coaching sessions?
-
Alert functions in Outlook: If your coachee is using
Outlook or a similar calendar software, setting a daily or weekly alert
to review goals, plans, milestones etc. is a powerful yet simple method.
-
Jogging with coachees (to ensure their own fitness): A
great way to motivate them by letting them know they do not face their
goals and plans alone.
-
Having guests over for dinner twice a month: This
creative structure can be a helpful reminder for coachees wanting to
make sure they clean their apartment on a regular basis
 .
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Regular Coaching Appointments: As a coach, you can be
such a "structure" just by meeting with your coachees on a regular
basis, reminding them of their goals, and keeping them accountable.
As you can see, "structures" are very much dependent on the situation of
the coachee, and creativity is needed to establish them. Provided both
parties agree to such structures, they are very effective for achieving
goals over the long term.
Christoph Schalk lives in Germany and directs the international
consultant network of the Institute for Natural Church Development. |
