Coaching is a process that equips individuals with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities they need to develop themselves and become more effective (Peterson & Hicks, 1995). It facilitates learning, creates awareness, and guides clients to peak performance in all aspects of their lives (Ellinger & Bostrom, 1999; Evered & Selman, 1989; Feldman, 2001). Unlike mentoring and counseling, coaching focuses on the future and fosters an equal partnership between coach and client.

The process starts with a Discovery Call, then the First Session is planned and the first session is the most important and longest of sessions. The cadence and number of follow up sessions are agreed at the first session, there is always an ending session to wrap up the learnings and check progress and plan next steps.

The process begins with a chemistry meeting or phone call, typically lasting about 15-20 minutes, to ensure both parties understand what is on offer and can work together. During this time, the first coaching session is arranged.

Coaching starts with a conversation (either face-to-face or via teleconference) to assess the individual's or business's current situation, opportunities, and challenges. The goal is to define the scope of the relationship, identify priorities, and establish specific desired outcomes. This session is usually the longest at 90-120 minutes. This initial session is crucial for agreeing on the number of subsequent sessions, which generally range from 1-4 for life coaching and 1-6 for executive or career coaching. After the first session a follow-up email will detail the agreed work, goals and boundaries in Learning Agreement. The learning agreement outlines the coaching relationship, key learnings, challenges and objectives for each client.

Subsequent sessions are conducted either in person or video call or over the phone, with each session lasting an hour. Between sessions, clients may be asked to complete actions to help achieve their goals. Additional resources, such as reading materials, checklists, assessments, or models, may be provided to support the client's or business's progress. The duration of the coaching relationship varies based on individual needs and preferences.

The duration of a coaching partnership varies based on the client's or team's needs, objectives, and preferences. For some, three to six months may suffice, while others may benefit from a longer-term relationship. Factors influencing the duration include the client's or team's working style, goals, session frequency, and available finances.

If you're new to professional coaching and need more information on the roles of both coach and client, or guidance on finding a compatible coach, visit the International Coaching Federation Ireland here: http://www.icfireland.org/want-coaching/