As a business coach, setting goals and holding yourself and your client to account is essential for success. That said, it is crucial to understand the basics of goal setting from the outset so that you can create realistic goals that are achievable and motivating. In addition, effective accountability strategies will help ensure you and your client are on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
This article will discuss how to set goals effectively and create an environment of accountability in the relationship between the business coach and the client.
Understanding is the first step toward mastering goal setting and accountability in business coaching. Does that mean knowing what you want to achieve through coaching? Or is the goal specifically about benchmarks and or milestones? Once you have a clear idea or message of what success will look like, it always becomes far easier to set realistic goals that are measurable, attainable, relevant, and timely (often known by the acronym SMART goals).
Having defined target outcomes will always help make your progress assessment easier. Once you have established clear objectives for successful developments, it is time to focus on creating an environment of accountability within the coaching relationship. That means 1) establishing ground rules between yourself and your client from the outset. and 2) making sure that communications are honest and transparent.
If you can foster an environment that encourages one another to be open about individual challenges and/or weaknesses, issues can be discussed in advance. Additionally, it is always good policy to ensure that you and your client are clear about respective roles – What will each of you contribute toward the goal?
It would help if you always looked for ways to provide encouragement (where and when needed.) and always offer positive reinforcement when your client progresses or completes the task successfully. However, if your client fails consistently short, or rarely meets expectations, then short-term goal setting can help both of you stay accountable while progressing toward the larger objectives.
Monthly check-ins are essential for ensuring the ongoing progress is thriving throughout the program. During these meetings, analyze performance reviews from the prior month, and set new target goals.
Always celebrate success with your client and encourage in areas where improvements need to occur. Make sure to never criticize for mistakes made. The project’s foundation should always utilize this as an opportunity to learn how best to approach similar tasks in the future.
This type of self-reflection fosters an environment of personal responsibility which encourages more effective goal completion over time. When it comes to mastering goal setting and accountability in business coaching, there is no one size fits all solution – every coach must find a system that works best for them while always considering their client’s needs. Defining clear objectives from the onset helps to ensure successful collaboration as the relationship moves towards agreed-upon outcomes. Reviewing progress allows you to ‘tweak’ the strategy as needed along the journey. With proper planning, communication & diligence, you can create an environment conducive to success when it comes to coaching!
Kim Dalius, of Los Angeles, California, is a success coach and Owner of Mental Minutes Success Coaching. Through her services, Kimberly Dalius helps people to realize their true potential and reach new levels of success in both their personal and professional lives.
