Clarity

And Why It Matters

Prior to each coaching session with a client, I send a clarity tool to complete and return to me beforehand.  In a recent session, a client told me what a struggle it is for her to complete the tool each time. “You should write a blog about that form,” she said.  “I put off filling it out because it always makes me take a look at what I’ve accomplished.”  I thought her suggestion was such a good one that I wrote this post:)

While the purpose of the tool is to create clarity for the session it is true that I learn quite a bit just by how clients use it. It is a simple tool with only four questions but the response I get is quite varied.  Some clients complete the form quickly. Others need many reminders to return it. Some return the form with little detail and short responses.  Others give lots of detail and write pages of information, clarifying their answers. There is no right or wrong way to complete the tool. It is designed to help the client as well as me assess where they are in terms of accomplishing their goals and what they want to work on in the session.

The purpose of the tool is to:

• Help the client assess how they want to use the upcoming session —This keeps me from setting an agenda for the session that is not congruent with the clients’ needs and current challenges.  It keeps me from overlooking what is important to them.
• Help me to prepare for the session– When I know ahead of time the agenda for the session, I am able to begin problem solving early.  I can also look up resources if needed.
• Help the client assess progress– What have they done since the last session?  What is left undone?  How did their actions turn out? Were they successful?  What did they learn from failure?
• Help the client take responsibility for the session-Instead of expecting me to determine the direction of the session, it gives the client responsibility and control of the topics discussed.
• Help the client see the importance of structure and systems-Because the client can expect the same tool to be completed before each session, it gives them a framework for not only preparing for the session each time, but also for viewing the results of their actions in between sessions. Although it may seems like the same thing over and over, in actuality, it demonstrates the importance of having a system that you can count on and benefit from.

Creating clarity in our daily life, in our relationships and in our business is hard.  It is challenging whether we are determining clarity for a coaching session or for our future.  But the benefits are definitely worth it!

You are here to make a difference in the world.

Your business matters.

When you are clear on your purpose

You have more impact and more success.

 

Lynne has been a godsend for me and my business.  I built my coaching practice over the past 14 years, but I was not seeing the results I anticipated.  Lynne’s clear message about how she helps people like me inspired me to hire her as my coach.  Once I committed to working with Lynne, I realized what was missing, a clear message.  She worked with me to clarify my message and opened my eyes to so many more possibilities of how to expand my business.  Because of the work we have done together, my social media has increased by 20%, my book is ready to publish and I am increasing my offerings through e-courses.  Lynne has put me back on track to achieving my business goals and I am now able to impact lives in a way I’ve always wanted, but never knew how. 

Pamela Byrd, CTACC ~ LIFE STRATEGIST