The ICF in their 2020 global survey found that “inability to measure the impact of coaching” was an issue for 42% of their respondents – https://coachfederation.org/app/uploads/2020/09/FINAL_ICF_GCS2020_ExecutiveSummary.pdf
The need to move from anecdotal to measurable can be of value. As ever it is dependent on your coachee, the type of coaching and if there are stakeholders involved. A general overview however I do consider, is thinking of the measure of coaching in three stages, before during and after.
Before the coaching engagement
Contracting – using contracting to agree on how the success of coaching will be measured. Where applicable including the stakeholders. What measures do they want? How do they want it? When do they want it? Using your tripartite agreements to support you on this. What is your current score on where you are? Where do you want to be?
During the coaching engagement
Measuring regularly during the process. So at the end of sessions – “How is this coaching process going for you?” “What would you like more or less of?” “You said your confidence as a manger was 2/10 at the start where are you now?” Also highlighting the half way stage explicitly – “You said you wanted to achieve x, y and z at the end of our engagement, what progress have you made so far?” “Where is your score now?” Keep the completion session in mind. What do you as a coach need to do to get ready for this?
After the coaching engagement
Sending the completion report/questionnaire for the coachee to reflect on the process before the final session. This way you can review it together in your final session. Include both qualitative and quantitative questions. This way you can get numerical data if needed for stakeholder reports.
The coaching process is both and action journey and learning journey. I personally believe the learning journey is the most important. This is the person your coachee is becoming in terms of changed habits, attitudes and beliefs. This will keep the person growing long after the coaching engagement has finished. What an amazing process to be a part of!
