Phase 2: Getting to Know You: The Foundation for a Strong Coaching Relationship

After the first contact – in which the coachee shows interest and you as a coach leave a first impression – the second phase begins: the introduction. Where the first contact is often more informative and exploratory, this phase goes a lot deeper. The introduction is the moment when you really determine whether there is a match and whether your coachee is the right person for your guidance, and vice versa. In this phase, getting to know each other, aligning expectations and building trust are central. Perhaps you plant the first seeds or give powerful feedback that comes in to your coachee. The introduction lays the foundation for a strong coaching relationship. Let's delve deeper into what happens in this phase and how you can streamline it.

1. Preparation: gathering information for the interview

A good introduction starts with good preparation. As a coach, you want to have as much relevant information as possible before you start the conversation. This saves time and gives you the opportunity to ask targeted questions during the introduction.

A useful way to gather this information is to have the potential coachee fill out an intake form. In this form, you can ask questions about the coachee's current challenges, goals and expectations. In this way, you prepare the coachee for the intake interview and ensure that you can go into more depth during the introduction. 

An additional advantage is that you connect the coachee to your working method before the introduction takes place. The coachee fills in the form in his/her personal, online environment and you have direct access to all the answers in your Trackler dashboard. Here you have all the information in one place! 

2. The conversation: insight, match and trust

During the introduction, everything revolves around gaining insight into the coachee, building trust, and demonstrating your expertise. You want to understand what the coachee hopes to achieve and determine whether you are a good match. It is not only important to ask targeted questions about the coachee’s goals and challenges, but also to listen and observe. What patterns, themes, and beliefs can you already observe? Everything that happens is information: it provides insight into his or her current situation and the desired situation.

2.1 Gathering information

It is useful to formulate a number of basic questions for yourself that you want answered in every first conversation. These questions not only help you to guide the conversation in the right direction, but also ensure that you receive necessary information about the coachee. Think of questions such as:

• What do you want to work on?
• What are your expectations of the coaching process?
• What are the current challenges you face?
• What is your desired outcome?

If you have also included these questions in the intake form, you can thoroughly review the coachee's answers and determine which points lend themselves to further exploration.

2.2 Match

Can you help the coachee with what he or she needs help with? It is possible that the coachee is facing challenges that are outside your expertise and that you can best refer him or her. It is also possible that the coachee lacks qualities that you desire from a coachee.

Determine for yourself what input you need from a coachee and formulate questions that can help you discover whether the potential coachee has this in them. Ultimately, you want to be able to help someone, and that works best when you are on the same page. 

2.3 Creating trust

Trust is the foundation of any successful coaching relationship. Without trust, it will be difficult for a coachee to open up and work with the information you provide. 

How can you do this? Keep your attention on the coachee. Show that you are listening, ask open questions and show genuine interest in the challenges the coachee is facing. Coachees generally want to be recognized, acknowledged and touched in an initial conversation. Listen carefully, observe and perceive. A warm, empathetic approach ensures that the coachee feels safe and understood, which is essential for an effective coaching relationship.

3. Setting Boundaries: The Importance of Professionalism

While it is important to connect personally and be empathetic, it is equally important to maintain your boundaries as a professional. During an introduction, some potential coachees may ask questions that go too deep or feel too much like a coaching session. Here, it is crucial to remain professional and set boundaries.

If this happens, you can indicate that you will discuss certain questions during the intake interview or in the process, but that this first meeting is not intended for that. Maintaining this boundary shows that you take your profession seriously and prevents you from unintentionally providing coaching.

If you have agreed to a contract at the time, implicitly or explicitly, you may be able to go into a first floor and take a step towards phase 2. This can provide insight into how you work and it shows the coachee your expertise in the field, which is important to distinguish yourself.

4. Dealing with objections

The introductory meeting is about connection and coordination, but there is also a business aspect. It is not uncommon for a coachee to have doubts about the process, the time investment or the costs. These are important moments in which you as a coach must respond professionally and build trust.

It is crucial to view these objections not as obstacles, but as opportunities to further understand the coachee and create clarity. Dealing with objections goes beyond sales tactics; it is an opportunity to build trust. By patiently and professionally dealing with questions and doubts, you create a safe environment in which the coachee feels heard.

Conclusion

The introduction is a crucial phase in which trust is built and expectations are aligned. Where the first contact is exploratory, the introduction is about a real connection and establishing a good match. The introduction lays the foundation for a strong coaching relationship. With the support of Trackler, you can make the most of this phase, from intake forms to notes, so that you can start the collaboration without worries and the coachee can fully focus on his or her goals.

Curious about the other phases of the coaching process? Read here about phase 1 and view here an overview of all phases.