131 | Coaching Demystified: What to Expect and Tips for a Successful Session

Thinking about booking a coaching session but not sure what to expect? Or maybe you've already arranged some coaching sessions and want to make sure you get the most out of them. This episode of HR Coffee Time is here to help. Host Fay Wallis, a career and leadership coach for HR and People professionals, shares practical advice on how to prepare for your coaching sessions and make them as effective as possible.

Key Points From This Episode

[00:00] Episode introduction

[00:23] The value of coaching

[01:38] You’re in the driving seat when it comes to coaching

[02:21] Examples of common coaching topics

[04:29] Questions to help you choose a focus, area or topic for your session

[05:51] Coaching is usually about asking questions, rather than giving advice

[06:39] Advice is given for practical career topics e.g. CV, LinkedIn and interviews

[09:17] Practical tips to get the most out of your session

[09:13] Choose a quiet space where you won’t be disturbed

[10:09] Minimise distractions

[10:21] Have some buffer time before the start of your session

[10:40] Techniques to help you transition from your previous task into your session

[11:32] Buffer time at the end of your session is helpful

[12:12] Have a notebook and pen ready for your session

[14:06] Let your coach know if you’d like the session recorded

[14:26] Have a drink with you in case you get thirsty

[14:51] If you’ll be discussing an emotional topic, have some tissues to hand

[15:09] Be open-minded and provide feedback

[16:46] Jot down your reflections in between sessions

[17:21] Questions to help you reflect before starting your next session

[17:56] Always ask your coach questions if you have any

[18:19] Episode conclusion

Useful Links

• Connect with Fay on LinkedIn
• Fay’s website: Bright Sky Career Coaching
• Headspace’s one-minute meditation YouTube video

Other Relevant HR Coffee Time Episodes

• Episode 130: Build managers’ confidence and skills with ‘The Coaching Two-Step’, with Jude Sclater
• Episode 53: Why coaching skills can help your career (& how to develop them), with Charlie Warshawski
• Episode 125: Create your perfect professional development plan in 8 simple steps

Looking For the Transcript?

You can find the transcript on this page of the Bright Sky Career Coaching website.

Rate and Review the Podcast

If you found this episode of HR Coffee Time helpful, please rate and review it on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. This video shows you how to rate and review the podcast on Apple Podcasts. If you're kind enough to leave a review, let Fay know so she can say thank you. You reach her at: fay@brightskycareercoaching.co.uk.

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