What should coaches encourage clients to do regarding their session intentions?

Encouraging clients to clearly articulate their goals for the session is essential in a coaching context. This practice fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility in the client concerning their personal development. When clients set clear intentions, they are more likely to remain focused and engaged throughout the session, which can lead to more productive discussions and outcomes. By defining what they aim to achieve, clients can tailor the conversation to their specific needs and priorities, enhancing the relevance and effectiveness of the coaching experience.

Articulating session goals also helps the coach understand the client’s perspective and facilitates a collaborative approach to the session. It ensures that the coach can align their strategies and questions to best support the client in reaching their objectives. This method not only empowers clients but also clarifies the path forward in the coaching process.

In contrast, focusing solely on previous outcomes does not help clients move forward and can limit the potential for growth and development. Leaving session intentions to the coach removes the client’s active participation in their own journey, which is contrary to the principles of coaching. Lastly, ignoring distractions might be beneficial, but it does not prioritize the proactive setting of intentions, which is integral to a meaningful coaching session. The emphasis is on constructive goal-setting to achieve desired outcomes.