Courtney Capece

From my experience, not every client fits the mold you develop for your coaching log. Be ready to pivot. Never head into a coaching session, log in hand, and assume you’ll stick to the script. At any given moment, a client will need more, or less in a specific area. Heck, some days the template will be thrown right out the window! You need to be ready to flow with it. This is when your active listening skills will be of the upmost importance. Put down the log, tune into the client and give your client what they need in the moment.

Tracking process is important for a coaching log template but I take it a step further. I use it to understand the "story" of the client as well. While looking at the quality of my service against improvement and progress of the client is vital, getting to know that client's story is a key driver in success for us both. Beyond taking notes and tracking goals, the log tells the story of what helps, inspires, and motivates that client. It also tells the story of what triggers their fears and resistance. Being able to tap into what's going on deeper by tracking this unspoken story can help guide in how you best coach your client to results. Many clients like to stay on the surface, but there's always a deeper story that needs to be told.

Key elements in a coaching log keep process smooth and predictable for both coach and client. In the past, I have used both a paper template an electronic processes for tracking. I prefer a paper template as it doesn't distract as much as much. Areas for capture should include: Date Client Name Check-in on last sessions goals/intentions Celebrating a "win" since last session Session Discussion/Coaching Exercises Recommendations and Follow-ups Identification of new intentions The handwritten notes can then be filed, or scanned into PDF and filed, or scanned and shredded. In the event a session is recorded, I use the same structure, and save the recording to the client file.

Over the years, I have found it imperative to keep the coaching log simple, yet effective. Sticking to a standard format to capture the discussion helps build a picture of where the client has been, where they are currently, key themes that should be revisited, and what’s left to do. Capturing the discussion with and emphasis on process since last session, “wins” since last session, current struggles, progress to goals, and intentions until next session provide a predictable roadmap for both me and the client. This helps me work above the processes, and focus more on supporting the client journey.

Feedback matters for both team members, and organizations. Some fear receiving or giving feedback, however, the level of clarity and support it provides is essential. Feedback is an invitation to learn, grow, and pivot if needed. If the role no longer serves you, provide that feedback, an enlightened organization is looking for people that ask questions and look for opportunities to improve both themselves and the organization. Organizations learn where the points of pain are operationally, and for team members to adjust and truly vet performance. Not doing so limits the ability to get the most value from their services, processes, and people.