Christoph Schalk

Reaching Goals Through Coaching (III)

First 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):

• 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 .

• 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