When you read the typical steps for an effective life coach, you might think that this is common knowledge and nothing out of the ordinary. But, having these steps at the back of your mind can always take you a long way. We tend to know things at times, but forget them until they are properly outlined and in front of us.
Based on what I have read, evaluated, and discussed with fellow life coaches in the past few years, the following steps are easy to know but difficult to actually implement with people.
Step 1: Define the Problem
This step is the biggest challenge for any life coach. Helping a person determine the exact problem is critical. Sometimes, the person might know what the problem is, at other times, they think they know what the problem is but are unable to realise the real cause of it.
Asking the right questions can help you dive deep into the actual problem. Finding patterns and clues could assist the life coach in identifying the root cause of the problem. It is also essential to get the client to accept that the identified issue is the cause of trouble.
Step 2: Brainstorming on the Possible Solutions
Rather than giving recommendations or advice, it is always advisable to ask the client about the best ways they think they can solve the problem. The possible solutions should come from them. If they are unable to find a solution, then applying some exercises can help them understand that solutions are possible, but they have to find answers themselves.
Step 3: Evaluating Every Solution Honestly
Brainstorming every solution provided by the client is important. Running circles around the solutions should be avoided. Start by distinguishing the possible solutions (keeping them separate by making a list) and the probable outcomes that can be achieved. Next, identify the roadblocks that the client might face and the steps that they are ready to take to meet the outcomes.
During the evaluation step, you can get a sense of the commitment levels of the client to the solutions that they initially listed.
Step 4: Picking out the Best Solution with a Life Coach
Once a discussion on all the possible solutions is done, the most appropriate solution should be picked. The healthiest solution is that which would ensure the client can achieve the results with the minimum number of problems. The client and not the life coach should pick the solution. If the client picks this solution from the list, then they are more likely to walk on the path.
Step 5: Planning the Best Action Steps to Execute the Solution
If the client does not have the courage to take steps to adopt the solutions, then the rest of the steps are irrelevant. The client should be determined to outline the actionable steps. Assigning weekly tasks to meet the ultimate goal is critical. The Life Coach must help them understand that completing the weekly tasks in small steps is the best way to move forward and achieve their goal.
Step 6: Pick out Dates for the Small Milestones
Help the client become accountable. They make a list of the action steps that they should be taking, but the Life Coach must also have this list. You should know which action step your client is going to complete this week so that you can ask them about it in the next week/session.
Some clients are ready to start with the action plan once they can visualize the outcomes that they are likely to achieve. On the other hand, some clients just like the view and will make several excuses for not executing the solutions. In the weekly meetings, you will see that no real progress is made, but they have complaints, excuses, and reasons for not taking action.
If the client is serious enough, you can see the progress they have made in the action steps that were discussed in the previous meeting.
Tip: Help Your Clients imagine the Success they will achieve when they reach the finish line.
Once you know about this, you might also want to read more through this article: Quick Mood Fixes
