Facilitator Tips & Session Prep

<h3>Session Goal:</h3><p>To guide the client through the initial stages of a six-week coaching engagement, focusing on vision setting and goal alignment.</p><h3>Key Objectives (Client):</h3><ul><li><p>Understand the coaching process and session structure.</p></li><li><p>Articulate current wins, challenges, and mood.</p></li><li><p>Develop a clear, detailed three-year vision statement.</p></li><li><p>Define 1-3 key goals for the next 12 months aligned with the vision.</p></li><li><p>Draft a SMART quarterly goal.</p></li><li><p>Commit to creating and utilizing a "vision artifact."</p></li></ul><h3>Facilitator Guidance:</h3><ul><li><strong>Build Rapport:</strong> Start with a warm welcome and create a safe space for open sharing.</li><li><strong>Active Listening:</strong> Listen attentively to the client's wins, challenges, and reflections. Use paraphrasing to confirm understanding.</li><li><strong>Encourage Detail:</strong> Prompt the client to be specific when describing their vision, goals, and SMART objective. Ask clarifying questions to uncover deeper insights.</li><li><strong>Time Management:</strong> Keep track of time for each section, gently guiding the conversation to stay on schedule while allowing for important discussions.</li><li><strong>Vision Artifact:</strong> Encourage creativity and practicality for the artifact, emphasizing its role in maintaining focus between sessions.</li><li><strong>Resource Sharing:</strong> Ensure the provided article is relevant and offer to answer any questions about it.</li></ul><h3>Pre-Session Preparation (Client):</h3><ol><li><p><strong>Reflect:</strong> Consider wins, challenges, and your current mood.</p></li><li><p><strong>Envision:</strong> Think about your ideal professional life in three years.</p></li><li><strong>Review:</strong> Briefly consider the "vision artifact" idea for keeping your vision alive.</li></ol>

<h3>Welcome & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to our coaching journey! Over the next six weeks, we'll work together to unlock your potential and achieve your goals. This first 60-minute session focuses on aligning your aspirations and setting a clear vision for your future. We'll start by discussing your experiences since enrolling and then dive into crafting a compelling three-year vision and setting one-year goals.</p><p>Our session follows a consistent structure: a brief check-in on your progress and mood, a deep dive into this week's theme, defining a specific action commitment with success metrics, and a wrap-up with key takeaways and preparation for our next meeting. Let's make this hour count!</p>

<h4>Session Flow at a Glance</h4><ul><li><strong>Check-In (5-10 min):</strong> Recap wins and challenges since our enrollment, and check your current mood or status.</li><li><strong>Topic Deep-Dive (30 min):</strong> We'll focus on crafting your vivid 3-year vision and aligning it with achievable 1-year goals.</li><li><strong>Action Commitment (10 min):</strong> You'll draft a SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) quarterly goal.</li><li><strong>Reflection & Wrap-Up (5-10 min):</strong> We'll agree on a "vision artifact" to help keep your vision alive between sessions.</li></ul><p>This structure ensures we cover essential ground efficiently, allowing for deep exploration and actionable outcomes.</p>

<h3>Wins & Challenges Check-In</h3><p>Let's start by reflecting on your journey so far. Since we began this coaching engagement, what significant wins or accomplishments have you experienced? Conversely, what challenges have you encountered that might be impacting your momentum or focus? Sharing both helps us understand your current landscape and tailor our session effectively.</p><p>Think broadly—these wins could be related to personal achievements, professional milestones, or even shifts in mindset. Similarly, challenges might be internal barriers or external obstacles. Your insights here provide valuable context for our discussion on vision and goal setting.</p>

What have been your biggest wins and challenges since starting this coaching engagement?

<h3>Crafting Your 3-Year Vision</h3><p>Imagine yourself three years from today. What does your ideal professional life look like? What impact are you making? What kind of leader are you? Paint a vivid picture with as much detail as possible—focus on the feelings, the achievements, and the environment. Don't hold back; this is a space for bold aspirations. Your vision is your north star, guiding your actions and decisions.</p><p>Consider your career trajectory, your skill development, your influence, and your overall sense of fulfillment. What legacy do you want to create? What problems do you want to solve? The more concrete and inspiring your vision, the clearer the path forward will become.</p>

Describe your ideal professional situation three years from now.

<h3>Aligning on 1-Year Goals</h3><p>Now, let's bring that long-term vision into focus for the next 12 months. Based on your three-year vision, what are 1-3 key goals you want to achieve within the next year? These should be significant steps that move you meaningfully toward your ultimate aspiration.</p><p>Think about what needs to be in place or accomplished within the next year to make your three-year vision a reality. Be specific about the outcomes you aim for. These goals will serve as the bridge between your present and your envisioned future.</p>

What are your top 1-3 goals for the next 12 months that align with your 3-year vision?

<h3>Action Commitment: SMART Quarterly Goal</h3><p>To start making progress immediately, let's draft one SMART goal for the upcoming quarter. A SMART goal is Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of "improve communication," a SMART goal might be "Complete a public speaking workshop and deliver one presentation to my team by the end of the quarter." </p><p>Think about your 1-year goals and identify one key action or outcome that is essential for the next three months. Make it as concrete and measurable as possible.</p>

Draft one SMART goal for the next 90 days.

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: Vision Artifact</h3><p>We've covered a lot today, from reflecting on your current state to envisioning your future and setting initial goals. For our wrap-up, let's agree on a "vision artifact." This could be a short letter written from your future self to your present self, a collage of images representing your vision, or a concise mission statement.</p><p>What artifact will you create to keep your vision front and center? We'll check in on how it served you next week.</p>

What vision artifact will you create, and how will you use it?

<h3>Resource & Looking Ahead</h3><p>To support your visioning journey, please explore this article: <strong>4 Steps to Create a Personal Vision Statement and Change Your Life</strong> (<a href="https://www.betterup.com/blog/create-a-personal-vision-statement" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.betterup.com/blog/create-a-personal-vision-statement</a>). It offers further insights and practical advice.</p><p>In our next session, we'll delve into self-awareness and values clarification. Bring your vision artifact and any early reflections!</p>

Week 1: Goal Alignment & Vision Setting

A structured six-week coaching program designed to guide clients through vision setting, self-awareness, strategic planning, and personal growth.

<h3>Welcome Back & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to Week 2! Last session, we focused on aligning your aspirations and setting a clear vision. Today, we'll dive into the crucial areas of self-awareness and values clarification. Understanding your core values is fundamental to making decisions that align with your authentic self and drive genuine fulfillment.</p><p>Our 60-minute session will include a check-in on your values-living and journaling practice, a deep dive into identifying and ranking your core values, committing to a daily journaling practice tied to a value, and a wrap-up to prepare a "vision artifact" for next time.</p>

<h4>Check-In: Vision Reflections & Mood</h4><p>Let's begin by checking in on your experience living your values and your journaling practice. Have you encountered any surprises or particular insights from reflecting on your values daily? What has been the impact of this practice?</p><p>Also, share your current mood or status. Are you feeling energized, reflective, challenged, or something else? Understanding your emotional state helps us navigate today's topic effectively.</p>

Share your reflections on your vision and your current mood.

<h3>Deep Dive: Values Elicitation</h3><p>Our core values act as our internal compass, guiding our decisions and shaping our actions. Today, we'll identify and rank your top five core values. This process often involves exploring a list of potential values and reflecting on times you felt most alive, proud, or fulfilled.</p><p>Think about situations where you felt a strong sense of purpose or deep satisfaction. What principles were you upholding? Consider your career, relationships, and personal pursuits. Which values consistently appeared in those moments of alignment?</p>

List potential core values that resonate with you. Try to identify at least 10-15 initially.

<h3>Ranking Your Top Values</h3><p>Now, review the list you've generated. This can be challenging, as many values might feel important. The goal is to identify the top 5 that are non-negotiable for you—the principles you must honor to feel authentic and fulfilled. Rank them from most important to least important.</p><p>Consider how each value influences your choices, especially in challenging situations. Which values, if compromised, would lead to the most dissonance?</p>

From your list, identify and rank your top 5 core values.

<h3>Action Commitment: Daily Journaling Prompt</h3><p>To integrate your values into your daily life, let's design a journaling prompt. Choose one of your top values and create a question that will prompt you to reflect on how you lived it (or could have lived it better) today.</p><p>For example, if "Integrity" is a top value, your prompt might be: "In what situation today did I most clearly honor my commitment to integrity? If there was a moment I fell short, what can I learn from it?"</p>

Create a daily journaling prompt tied to one of your top 5 core values.

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: Journaling Commitment</h3><p>We've identified your core values and created a prompt to explore them daily. For our wrap-up, please commit to journaling with your prompt for at least five days this week. How will you hold yourself accountable to this practice?</p><p>Bringing your values to life requires consistent attention. This journaling practice is a powerful way to build that awareness.</p>

How will you commit to journaling for at least five days this week?

<h3>Resource & Looking Ahead</h3><p>To deepen your understanding of values clarification, please read this article: <strong>Personal Value Exploration: An Experiential Activity</strong> (<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/theory-of-knowledge/201802/personal-value-exploration-an-experiential-activity" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/blog/theory-of-knowledge/201802/personal-value-exploration-an-experiential-activity</a>). It offers further insights and exercises.</p><p>Next week, we'll focus on strengths mapping and resource activation. Bring your journaling reflections!</p>

Week 2: Self-Awareness & Values Clarification

<h3>Welcome Back & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to Week 3! Last session, we explored your core values. Today, we shift our focus to identifying and leveraging your unique strengths. Understanding and applying your strengths is key to building confidence, increasing engagement, and achieving your goals more effectively.</p><p>Our 60-minute session will include a check-in on your values-living and journaling practice, a deep dive into strengths assessment and themes, an action commitment to apply an under-utilized strength, and a wrap-up to prepare a "strengths spotlight" for next time.</p>

<h4>Check-In: Living Your Values & Surprises</h4><p>Let's start by checking in on your experience living your values and your journaling practice. Have you encountered any surprises or particular insights from reflecting on your values daily? What has been the impact of this practice?</p><p>Also, consider any wins you've had in actively trying to live your values this past week. Were there any challenges or moments that highlighted areas for further focus?</p>

Share your reflections on living your values, journaling practice, and any recent wins or surprises.

<h3>Deep Dive: Strengths Assessment & Themes</h3><p>Understanding your innate talents is a powerful catalyst for growth. While you may have taken assessments before, today we'll focus on identifying your top strengths and how they manifest. Gallup's CliftonStrengths (formerly StrengthsFinder) is a popular tool that categorizes talents into 34 themes.</p><p>If you haven't taken an assessment, I encourage you to explore the Gallup CliftonStrengths resource. If you have, we'll discuss your top themes—how they show up in your work and life, and how they might be leveraged more effectively.</p>

<h4>Identifying Your Top Strengths</h4><p>If you have taken a strengths assessment, what are your top 3-5 themes or strengths? How do these strengths typically play out in your day-to-day activities, particularly in your professional role? Think about times when you felt energized and effective – your strengths were likely at play.</p><p>If you haven't taken an assessment, consider what activities come naturally to you, what you enjoy doing, and what others often compliment you on. What seems to energize you and produce positive results with less effort than you might expect?</p>

What are your top 3-5 strengths, and how do they typically manifest in your work or life?

<h3>Resource Activation: Applying an Under-Utilized Strength</h3><p>Often, we rely on our dominant strengths but overlook the potential of those we use less frequently. Today, let's identify one of your strengths that you feel is currently under-utilized and plan how to apply it more intentionally this week.</p><p>Think about your top themes. Is there one that could be more powerfully applied to a current challenge or goal? How might activating this strength help you achieve better results or feel more engaged?</p>

Identify one under-utilized strength and plan one specific way to apply it this week.

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: Strengths Spotlight</h3><p>For our wrap-up, think about how you can share your strengths with others. Your task is to prepare a brief "strengths spotlight" to share next session. This could be a short story illustrating how one of your key strengths played out effectively, or a brief explanation of how a particular strength helps you navigate challenges.</p><p>This exercise helps solidify your understanding and can be a great way to communicate your value to others.</p>

What will your "strengths spotlight" be about? Briefly outline the story or concept you plan to share.

<h3>Resource & Looking Ahead</h3><p>To learn more about strengths assessments, check out this resource: <strong>Learn How the CliftonStrengths Assessment Works</strong> (<a href="https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/how-cliftonstrengths-works.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.gallup.com/cliftonstrengths/en/253676/how-cliftonstrengths-works.aspx</a>). It provides a great overview of the assessment and its benefits.</p><p>Next week, we’ll tackle obstacles and mindset shifts. Please come prepared to discuss your strengths activation and any surprises!</p>

Week 3: Strengths Mapping & Resource Activation

<h3>Welcome Back & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to Week 4! We've journeyed through vision setting, values clarification, and strengths mapping. Today, we focus on a critical aspect of progress: overcoming obstacles and shifting our mindset. Identifying and reframing limiting beliefs is key to unlocking new potential and moving past roadblocks.</p><p>In our 60-minute session, we'll recap your strengths activation progress, dive into identifying and reframing a limiting belief, commit to a personalized affirmation, and wrap up with a coaching exercise on mindset shifts.</p>

<h4>Check-In: Strengths Activation & Blockers</h4><p>Let's start by checking in on your progress on activating an under-utilized strength. What did you learn from applying it this past week? Were there any emerging obstacles or challenges you encountered?</p><p>Also, share your "strengths spotlight"—the story or concept you prepared. How did sharing it feel, and what feedback did you receive?</p>

Share your progress on strengths activation, your "strengths spotlight," and any emerging blockers.

<h3>Deep Dive: Identifying Limiting Beliefs</h3><p>Limiting beliefs are subconscious assumptions that can hold us back from achieving our goals. They often stem from past experiences or societal conditioning. Identifying these beliefs is the first step toward challenging and reframing them.</p><p>Think about areas where you feel stuck or consistently face similar challenges. What underlying assumptions might be driving these patterns? For instance, a belief like "I'm not good enough" or "It's too late to change" can be highly limiting.</p>

What is one significant limiting belief that you hold about yourself or your potential?

<h3>Reframing with Empowering Language</h3><p>Once you've identified a limiting belief, the next step is to reframe it. This involves challenging its validity and replacing it with a more empowering and realistic perspective. The goal isn't to ignore challenges, but to adopt a mindset that supports growth and action.</p><p>For example, if the belief is "I'm not good enough," a reframed statement could be: "I am capable of learning and growing, and I bring unique strengths to every situation." Or, for "It's too late to change": "Every day is an opportunity for growth, and I can start making positive changes now." Focus on statements that feel believable and inspiring to you.</p>

Reframe your identified limiting belief into an empowering statement.

<h3>Action Commitment: Personalized Affirmation</h3><p>To reinforce this new perspective, let's create a personalized affirmation. An affirmation is a positive statement that you repeat regularly to help reprogram your subconscious mind. It should be concise, positive, and in the present tense, reflecting your desired reality.</p><p>Based on your reframed belief, craft an affirmation that resonates deeply with you. This will be a tool you can use daily to build resilience and maintain a positive mindset.</p>

Write a personalized affirmation based on your reframed belief.

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: Mindset Shift Exercise</h3><p>For our wrap-up, I'll share a quick exercise focused on mindset shifts. We'll practice consciously shifting from a fixed or limiting perspective to a growth-oriented one in a brief scenario. Afterward, we'll discuss your key takeaways from today's session.</p><p>Remember, changing your mindset is a practice, not a one-time event. The more you engage with these tools, the more natural they will become.</p>

<h3>Resource & Looking Ahead</h3><p>For further reading on this topic, please explore: <strong>Overcoming Self-Limiting Beliefs for Personal Growth</strong> (<a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202311/overcoming-self-limiting-beliefs" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/empower-your-mind/202311/overcoming-self-limiting-beliefs</a>). It offers additional strategies for identifying and shifting limiting beliefs.</p><p>Next week, we'll move into strategic planning and milestone design. Bring your affirmation and any reflections on its effectiveness!</p>

Week 4: Overcoming Obstacles & Mindset Shifts

<h3>Welcome Back & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to Week 5! We've covered vision, values, strengths, and mindset shifts. Today, we focus on the practical side of achieving your goals: strategic planning and milestone design. This is where we translate your aspirations into a concrete roadmap.</p><p>Our 60-minute session will include a check-in on your affirmation's effectiveness, a deep dive into breaking down your SMART quarterly goal into manageable milestones, committing to filling out a simple roadmap, and a wrap-up to agree on your first key milestone target.</p>

<h4>Check-In: Affirmation Effectiveness & New Learnings</h4><p>Let's start by checking in on the affirmation you created last week. How effective has it been in countering your limiting belief? What did you notice as you practiced it? Were there any new learnings or insights that emerged?</p><p>Also, reflect on any progress made towards your SMART quarterly goal or any other insights gained from our previous sessions.</p>

Share your reflections on your affirmation's effectiveness and any new learnings or progress on your goals.

<h3>Deep Dive: Breaking Down Your SMART Goal</h3><p>Your SMART quarterly goal is the foundation for today's work. Now, we need to break it down into 3-5 smaller, actionable milestones. Each milestone should represent a significant step toward completing the overall goal, and each should have its own target date.</p><p>Think of it like planning a trip: you have a destination (your goal), and you break it down into legs of the journey (milestones) with specific stops along the way. This makes the journey less daunting and provides tangible markers of progress.</p>

<h4>Designing Your Milestones</h4><p>For your SMART quarterly goal, identify 3-5 key milestones. Each milestone should be an achievement in itself, contributing directly to the larger goal. Assign a target date for each milestone, ensuring they logically progress towards your 90-day deadline.</p><p>Consider what needs to happen first, second, and so on. What are the critical path items? Be realistic with your timelines.</p>

List 3-5 milestones for your SMART quarterly goal, each with a target date.

<h3>Action Commitment: Simple Roadmap</h3><p>To visualize your plan, let's fill out a simple roadmap. This will list your milestones and their target dates. Seeing your plan laid out clearly can increase your commitment and provide a visual guide.</p><p>You can create this in a simple document, a spreadsheet, or even a physical planner. The key is to have your milestones and dates captured in one place.</p>

Describe how you will fill out your simple roadmap (e.g., tool you'll use, format).

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: First Milestone Target</h3><p>We've outlined your path to achieving your quarterly goal. For our wrap-up, let's agree on which milestone you will aim to hit first, and by what specific date. This creates immediate focus and momentum.</p><p>Choosing your first milestone and setting a clear target date is a powerful way to start building momentum. It makes the overall goal feel much more attainable.</p>

What is the first milestone you will aim to hit, and by what specific date?

<h3>Resource & Looking Ahead</h3><p>For more guidance on breaking down goals, please read: <strong>How To Break Down Your Goals Into Actionable Steps</strong> (<a href="https://anamcrae.ca/how-to-break-down-your-goals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://anamcrae.ca/how-to-break-down-your-goals/</a>). It offers practical techniques for planning.</p><p>Next week, we'll review your milestone progress, reflect on the journey, and map out your next steps for continued growth. Come prepared to share your roadmap and initial milestone achievement!</p>

Week 5: Strategic Planning & Milestone Design

<h3>Welcome Back & Session Goal</h3><p>Welcome to our final session! We've covered a lot over the past five weeks, laying a strong foundation for your personal and professional growth—from vision setting to strategic planning. Today, we'll review your progress, reflect on the breakthroughs and lessons learned throughout this journey, and map out your next steps for continued development.</p><p>Our 60-minute session includes a check-in on milestone progress and key learnings, a deep dive into reflecting on your overall journey, committing to your next three-month focus and a stretch goal, and a wrap-up to plan ongoing support.</p>

<h4>Check-In: Milestone Progress & Key Learnings</h4><p>Let's start by reviewing your progress on your milestones and your SMART quarterly goal. What have you achieved? What were the key learnings from this process? Were there any significant obstacles you overcame, or any insights gained that surprised you?</p><p>Share what has worked well, what has been challenging, and any shifts in your perspective or approach as a result of this planning process.</p>

Share your milestone progress, key learnings, and any surprises from the past weeks.

<h3>Deep Dive: Reflecting on the Journey</h3><p>Take this time to reflect holistically on the entire six-week journey. What were the most significant breakthroughs you experienced? What were the most valuable lessons you learned about yourself, your goals, or your approach to challenges?</p><p>Consider how your perspective might have shifted regarding your vision, values, strengths, mindset, and planning. What are you most proud of having accomplished or learned during our time together?</p>

What have been your biggest breakthroughs and most valuable lessons from this six-week journey?

<h3>Action Commitment: Next Three Months & Stretch Goal</h3><p>As our formal coaching engagement concludes, it’s important to establish a path forward. Based on your learnings and progress, what will be your primary focus for the next three months? What specific goal will you set for yourself?</p><p>Additionally, identify one "stretch goal"—something ambitious that pushes you slightly beyond your current comfort zone but aligns with your overarching vision. This goal should challenge you in a positive way.</p>

Define your primary focus and one stretch goal for the next three months.

<h3>Reflection & Wrap-Up: Ongoing Support</h3><p>Our formal sessions conclude today, but your development journey continues. To maintain momentum, let's discuss how you'd like to engage in ongoing support. This could involve scheduling a quarterly "pulse check" session with me, setting up periodic check-ins via email, or utilizing specific resources.</p><p>What level of ongoing support feels most beneficial for you to continue applying these principles and pursuing your goals?</p>

How would you like to engage in ongoing support (e.g., quarterly check-ins, email updates, specific resources)?

<h3>Resource & Final Thoughts</h3><p>For continued self-reflection, I recommend exploring: <strong>25 Self-Reflection Questions: Why Introspection Is Important</strong> (<a href="https://positivepsychology.com/introspection-self-reflection/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://positivepsychology.com/introspection-self-reflection/</a>). Introspection is key to sustained growth.</p><p>Thank you for your commitment and engagement throughout this process. I've truly enjoyed working with you and witnessing your progress. Remember, the tools and insights you've gained are yours to keep and build upon. Keep leading with intention!</p>

Six-Week Coaching Engagement