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By Martin Hill,bsc Level 7 Programme Director |
Frequently the coaching location is
influenced by the coaching sponsor- use of the organisation’s premises
provides a convenient solution for the sponsor as it will reduce costs and
also saves time, with little or no travel time for the clients being
coached. However, as a coach think about how
the location may be perceived by the client – if you are using the
organisation’s own premises will they perceive you as “part” of the
organisational power and therefore be inhibited in disclosing matters or
engaging?
Sometimes changing a location can actually generate a freedom of thought and engagement that was inhibited by using a location that a client is very familiar with or in which they have to maintain a particular façade.
When selecting a coaching location, here are some of the factors to bear in mind:
·
Privacy- bear in mind that confidentiality is
the crux for a successful coaching relationship. Make sure that the room
selection demonstrates that confidentiality has even been considered in the
choice of the location – are the walls thick enough to avoid audio leakage?
What about visibility – a lot of trendy modern offices now have “glass” walls –
unlikely to instil confidence in sharing visual ideas etc. Make sure that you
are going to be uninterrupted- also remember to switch off your mobile and ask
your client to do the same.
·
Neutral Territory- even if you have to use accommodation
provided by the coaching sponsor, think about what you can do to demonstrate to
the client that this is “neutral” territory. This could be done as part of your
contracting discussions- but also think about the room set up –can you
rearrange the furniture- what about where you and the client will sit? Avoid
using the client’s own office- this is frequently an environment where the
client is prone to distractions and interruptions.
·
Be Adventurous- do not be afraid to offer a different
venue- coffee shops or even taking advantage of the great outdoors. One of the
most productive sessions for one of my supervisees came from recognising that
the office environment was causing the client stress that say and thus they
went for a quick stroll outside – this led to the revelation for the client
that the cause of his stress was the office not his own behaviour and actions-
and he came up with an action plan to resolve this.
·
Comfortable- make sure the room is at a comfortable
temperature and well lit. Is the seating comfortable enough – but not too
comfortable?
·
Access- again this links back to
confidentiality – is the “corridor” access to the room such that it will
actually reveal who is attending as a client? If there are no alternative
options, think about how the coaching sessions will be pitched to everybody in
the organisation- do it in such a way that it diminishes any stigma or
presumptions that people may make.
· Technology considerations- if you are going to use technology
–make that there are plug sockets or anything else that your gadget may need
(e.g. internet access). I would suggest that ideally you should aim to be
self-sufficient and have a coaching toolkit that has all the necessary stocks
and supplies that you may need- that could include investing in a dongle or mobile
broadband access device or a device with built in internet access. Even if you
use something as simple as pens and flip charts – if it is an open view room
you are using, you may need to rethink how to approach the session. Above all
else, whatever technological aids you use- always check that they are working BEFORE the session and have a back-up
plan in case there is a technological malfunction.
·
Organisational Rules- if you are using the sponsor’s
premises, make sure that you familiarise yourself with any rules or protocols
that have to be observed. It could even be as simple as checking what the dress
code is or when fire alarm tests are scheduled!
·
Planning – make sure that you plan out the travel
time and familiarise yourself with the location in advance. Get there early.
Make sure there is a point of contact so that you can direct any queries or
raise any issues with them.
·
Refreshments- think about whether there needs to be
tea, coffee, water on offer. If this is going to be a full day session for you
– think about what you will do for lunch. Also check out where the restrooms
are!
Martin Hill LL.B (Hons), FInstLM, AMAC, EMCC Member, Coach
&Coach Supervisor
Programme Director for ILM 7 Coaching & Mentoring Courses
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