In coaching, the concept of a “coachable result” is foundational to the effectiveness of a session. But what exactly makes a result “coachable”? To truly grasp this, let’s break down the key elements that define a coachable result: it must be under the client’s control, sustainable, measurable, time-bound, and encompass both the “being” and the “doing” aspects of personal development.
1. Under the Client’s Control:
A coachable result is something the client has full control over. This means that the outcome should depend solely on the client’s actions, choices, and mindset, rather than external factors or the behavior or choices of others.
For instance, rather than setting a goal like “getting promoted at work,” which depends on others’ decisions, a coachable result might be “enhancing leadership skills and visibility within the team.” This shift in focus ensures that the client has the power to take actionable steps toward the desired outcome.
Why is this important? Because coaching is about empowering the client to take ownership of their growth. When the result is within their control, the client is more likely to feel motivated and confident in their ability to achieve it. This autonomy is a crucial element in driving lasting change.
2. Sustainable:
Sustainability is another critical aspect of a coachable result. The goal should not only be achievable but also maintainable over the long term.
For example, a client might initially set a goal of “exercising for an hour every day.” However, if this isn’t realistic given their current lifestyle, it’s unlikely to be sustainable. A more coachable result might be “incorporating physical activity into my routine three times a week,” which is more likely to be maintained over time.
Sustainability ensures that the changes a client makes are lasting, not just temporary fixes. This aspect of the coachable result encourages clients to think about what they can realistically integrate into their lives, fostering long-term success and growth.
As coaches we explore with clients and we ask them what is their view on the sustainability of their goals.
3. Measurable:
A coachable result needs to be measurable, meaning there should be clear criteria (internal or external) for success that allow both the client and coach to track progress.
For example, instead of a vague goal like “improve communication skills,” a measurable coachable result could be “have weekly feedback conversations with team members and receive their input on my communication style.” This specificity provides a clear way to assess whether the client is moving towards their desired outcome.
Measurability is key because it allows the client to see tangible evidence of their progress, which can be incredibly motivating. It also gives the coach a concrete way to support the client and hold them accountable.
4. Time-Bound:
Setting a timeframe is essential for a coachable result. Without a deadline or a specific time frame, goals can become open-ended and lose their urgency.
For example, rather than setting a goal like “become more organized,” a time-bound coachable result would be “implement a new organizational system at work within the next 30 days.” This adds a sense of urgency and helps the client prioritize their actions to achieve the result within the set period.
Having a time-bound goal helps create momentum and provides a clear endpoint for the coaching process, making it easier to evaluate success.
5. Encompasses Both “Being” and “Doing”:
Finally, a truly coachable result integrates both the “being” and the “doing” aspects of personal development.
The “doing” aspect involves the concrete actions and behaviors the client will engage in to achieve the result. For example, if a client’s goal is to improve their leadership, the “doing” might involve specific actions like scheduling regular team meetings or giving more feedback to colleagues.
The “being” aspect, on the other hand, refers to the internal state or mindset that the client needs to cultivate to support their actions, the connection with their values and with who the clients want to be. Continuing with the leadership example, the “being” could involve developing a mindset of empathy and active listening or building confidence in decision-making.
A coachable result that integrates both “being” and “doing” ensures that the client is not just focusing on external actions but is also cultivating the internal qualities, beliefs, vision and connection to values and purpose that are necessary to sustain those actions. This holistic approach leads to deeper, more meaningful change.
6. It needs to matter to the clients
A truly coachable result must hold personal significance for the client. If the result doesn’t resonate deeply with their values, desires, or long-term goals, it’s unlikely to inspire the motivation and commitment needed to achieve it.
When a result matters to the client, they are more likely to engage fully in the coaching process, take meaningful action, and persevere through challenges. This intrinsic motivation is a powerful driver of change, ensuring that the result is not only achieved but also meaningful and impactful in the client’s life.
So, how do you help your client craft a coachable result that meets all these criteria?
Start by having a conversation that explores both the practical and the aspirational aspects of their goal. Ask questions that encourage the client to think about what they can control, what’s realistic and sustainable, how they will measure progress, and the timeframe in which they want to achieve it.
Also, delve into both the “doing” and the “being” components.
For example, if a client wants to improve work-life balance, explore the specific actions they can take (the “doing”), like setting boundaries around work hours, and the mindset they need to support those actions (the “being”), such as developing a sense of self-worth independent of work achievements.
A coachable result is more than just a simple goal. It’s a well-crafted outcome that empowers the client, is sustainable over time, can be measured and tracked, is bound by a timeframe, and integrates both the inner and outer work necessary for true transformation.
By partnering with your clients to set coachable results that meet these criteria, you ensure that your coaching sessions are impactful, focused, and truly aligned with the principles of effective coaching. This approach not only inspires your clients toward meaningful progress but also reinforces the integrity and effectiveness of the coaching process itself.
I trust this deep dive into the coachable result has provided you with valuable insights to enhance your coaching practice. If you found this article helpful, please share it with your coaching network and join us next time as we continue to explore the art and science of transformative coaching. Until then, keep coaching with clarity and purpose!
