How Does Coaching Commence? And What is Contracting?

Coaching can sometimes feel like an informal conversation, but beneath the surface, there’s a structured framework in place. Setting up this foundation is known as contracting, a crucial part of the coaching process that sets clear expectations, goals, and boundaries between the coach and client (or coachee).

By establishing this formal agreement, both parties can align their understanding of the coaching relationship and ensure a productive journey ahead.

In this article, we’ll explore why contracting is so important, what it typically involves, and how it serves as the cornerstone for a successful coaching programme.

What is Contracting in Coaching?

Contracting is the formal stage that kicks off any coaching engagement. It’s more than just an initial meeting, it’s a structured discussion between the coach, the client, and sometimes a sponsor, to set the foundation for how the coaching relationship will unfold. During this process, everything from the objectives and scope of the coaching to the logistical details and ethical considerations is clarified.

This conversation ensures that everyone involved is clear on what the coaching process will entail. By discussing ways of working, responsibilities, and goals or considerations from the outset, both the coach and the client (and the sponsor, if relevant) establish a clear understanding of what to expect.

Why is Contracting Important?

Contracting serves multiple purposes, all of which contribute to the effectiveness of the coaching experience. Here’s why it’s essential:

Laying the Foundation for Success: The initial contracting session creates the professional framework for future coaching meetings. It sets the overall tone for how productive and goal-oriented or emergent the coaching relationship will be.
Establishing a Professional Framework: A well-structured contract signals the professionalism and commitment of the coach. It helps create a boundary that ensures both objectivity and trust throughout the coaching process.
Defining Boundaries and Roles: Especially for clients new to coaching, the contracting phase clarifies the difference between what coaching is—and what it isn’t—allowing both parties to understand their roles and responsibilities clearly.
Aligning Goals and Objectives: It’s crucial for both the coach and the client to work towards the same objectives. The contracting process helps ensure that everyone is aligned on expectations, goals, and the overall purpose of the coaching engagement.

An Evolving Agreement: The coaching contract is a dynamic tool that can be revisited and adjusted. As the client progresses or goals shift, the agreement can be updated to reflect the new direction, keeping the process relevant and effective.

Components of a Coaching Contract

During the contracting phase, several key elements are discussed and agreed upon to ensure smooth collaboration:

Objectives and Goals: What is the client hoping to achieve through coaching? This could range from personal development to business success. Clarifying the goals is crucial to measuring progress throughout the coaching relationship. It is also true that, for some clients, the role of coaching is to establish Goals or a Vision for their business or career.
Roles and Responsibilities: It’s important to outline the expectations for both the coach and the client. What role will the coach play? What is expected of the client? Understanding these roles prevents confusion down the line.
Confidentiality Agreement: Confidentiality is foundational to a successful coaching relationship. The coach assures the client that conversations during sessions will remain private, with two key exceptions:
1. If the coach feels the client’s or someone else’s safety is at risk, they may need to report the situation to authorities.
2. The coach may discuss anonymised details with a supervisor to improve their own coaching skills.
Logistical Details: Practical elements like where and how often the sessions will take place, how long each session will last, and the duration of the coaching programme are confirmed. Typically, sessions last between 1-2 hours, and are held every 1-4 weeks.
Fees and Payment Terms: The financial terms, including the fees and payment schedule, are outlined to avoid misunderstandings.

Feedback and Reviews: Regular feedback is vital for the success of any coaching programme. Agreeing on how and when feedback will be provided ensures that both parties are aligned on progress and satisfaction.

The Role of a Sponsor in Coaching

In some coaching engagements, there may be a sponsor involved, such as a manager, a human resources representative, or even an investor. The sponsor has an interest in the coaching outcome, so it’s important to clarify their role during the contracting phase.

The sponsor’s expectations can be discussed in a three-way contracting session, where the coach, client, and sponsor agree on the goals and how the sponsor will be kept informed. Updates could be provided directly by the client or facilitated by the coach after a set number of sessions.

Formalising the Coaching Relationship

Once the contracting discussion is complete, it is formalised in a written contract. This signed agreement outlines all the important elements of the coaching engagement, from session logistics to payment terms, confidentiality and feedback mechanisms.

The written contract provides a clear container for the coaching relationship, ensuring that all parties are aligned and that the expectations are clearly defined from the start.

A Live Document: Revisiting the Contract

Contracting doesn’t end after the first session. As the coaching relationship progresses, the agreements can be revisited and updated to reflect any changes. This flexibility ensures that the coaching process remains relevant and effective as the client’s needs evolve.

In Summary: The Value of Contracting

A contracting session is a conversation between the coach, the client/coachee and the sponsor (if there is one). The session will:

Define what coaching is
Discuss and clarify any and all goals, missions or expectations that the client, sponsor or coach have for the coaching work
Set out how coaching will operate in this unique context
If there is a sponsor it’s common to agree to a formal review point, which is an opportunity to step back and evaluate. In general, coaching is in itself like a constant ongoing review

James O'Halloran

As a Business Coach I help Founders* and those in Career Transition unlock problems and increase self-mastery so that they are confident in their direction and leadership. Through Career and Business Coaching, I help people who want to disrupt the(ir) status quo.