Our Shared Charter of Responsibility & Expectation

Working together

For our coaching relationship to as successful as possible, it is worth us both keeping in mind the sort of responsibilities we are each taking – and what can reasonably expect of each other. Some coaches separate their descriptions of coach-client responsibilities and expectations. In recognition of the professional partnership we are forming, I prefer to bring this all together in one shared document.

My responsibilities and what you can expect of me

As a professional coach, I set a high standard for myself and the approach I take to working with you. Everything related to our sessions will be focused on you and your concerns, goals, values and beliefs about the possibilities of the future. Here are some of the key responsibilities that I have in our coaching relationship. You should feel able to ask me about any of these responsibilities at any time.

Exploring the current situation and the possibilities – I will:

bring structure to our sessions, and work to understand things beyond the words you use.
keep asking questions - drawing out clearer descriptions of the issues in front of us.
pull us back to the conversation if we get off track.
help you discover new ways of thinking, working and relating to people
help you identify and appreciate your major strengths vs. major areas for learning and growth – encourage you to both “play to your strengths” and acknowledge weaknesses.
work with you to filter the trivial issues from the more significant ones so we can put our effort where it will make the best difference.

Goal Setting and Action Planning – I will:

prepare a coaching plan for the path that I think will enable me to give you the best support on your journey.
bring forward ideas that align with your goals and ask you to consider them
work with you to define actions that build towards achieving your goals
encourage you to stretch and challenge yourself but within the bounds of a comfortable pace of learning
help you achieve and lock in the wins! Success breeds more success.

Managing Progress and Accountability – I will:

come to each session effectively prepared and ready for our work.
acknowledge what you have done, not done, learned or become aware of since the previous coaching session – and celebrate your successes
help keep you on-track from session to session – while recognising the importance of you being self-disciplined and accountable for what you say you are going to do
elevate your perspective of your achievements so far, and the potential still ahead.

Your responsibilities and what I will expect of you

Of course, I am not the only person involved here. To maximise your own success, there are some matters that I need you to be responsible for – and you can expect that I might ask you about them from time to time.

Be open to the process and to learning more about yourself
Share all available information - and please correct me if I misunderstand anything.
Give me the feedback about your progress and situation when requested – it helps me prepare for each session
Be generous to yourself in making time to complete actions and follow-ups – and give yourself credit for doing these things with discipline.

Shared responsibilities and co-dependencies

These things that we both need to be accountable for:

Letting the other know of the process is not working for either of us, and why.
Being respectful of each other’s time and other commitments. If either of us is having trouble keeping up or balancing competing priorities – we will let the other know as soon as a reasonably possible.
Letting each other know of any change in circumstances that may affect the coaching relationship or outcomes – for example. The emergence of a possible conflict of interest.

If we both agree to taking on our relevant responsibilities, I am very confident we can make progress on the things that are important to you.