Being able to spot a coachable goal is key. If you miss the goal, you'll lose your client's trust. Or you might waste time coaching when your client actually needs counseling or therapy.
A coachable goal is one that a customer is ready and motivated to do now. It just feels like it's beyond his/her current level of experience or ability.
10 Coachable Goals…
This is what most clients basically want:
- Money
- Time off
- Pleasure/quality of life
- Connection
- Stimulation
- Skills and abilities
- Entertainment and fun
- To feel better about themselves
- Growth and health
- To get ahead in their career, business and life
…Plus 3 that are NOT
These goals are beyond the scope of coaching:
- Changing the behavior or thinking of a third party (other than the client).
- Overcoming compulsive or addictive behavior. Therapy or counseling would be more effective than coaching.
- Healing painful memories. Again, therapy or counseling might be more appropriate.
Tips for spotting & working with coachable goals
- The client should be willing to do the work. You're facilitating the process, not doing it for her.
- The goal should be challenging, but achievable..
- The urgency level should be high. The client is thinking “I have to figure this out NOW.”
- Look for a pattern of coachable goals in your coaching notes. See if you can pick out a theme to build your marketing materials and products around.
- Focus on clients with similar coachable goals. It's easier to design a signature coaching program when there's a unifying theme.
Nailing a coachable goal is a win for you and your client. Spot coachable goals early and leave the non-coachable issues alone.