Tip 180 - Building Relationships in Coaching

As a coach, it is important to begin building a relationship with your leader from the start. During your initial coaching meeting, establish a two-way agreement that addresses expectations, boundaries, responsibilities, and time commitments. Discuss outcomes and demonstrate confidence in your ability to help your leader, as well as confidence in your leader’s ability to become a skilled leader.

Building relationships entails fostering collaboration and trust. Coaches must maintain confidentiality as they challenge leaders to move forward and accomplish their goals. Providing recognition and support, without telling leaders exactly what to do, is an important step in building cooperative and meaningful relationships.