As a coach, it is essential to have an orientation call that supports you and your new client. Many coaches who come to us for our ICF Mentorship program know they need to ask for their client’s desired goals and outcomes, yet they’re not sure what other initial questions will support them in the coaching process. In this article, we will explain some invaluable questions that will help you in onboarding your brand new clients.
As you know, setting goals with your client from the beginning is crucial. Finding out what your client wants to achieve during the coaching contract will support both of you to stay focused throughout the contract. An excellent way to do this is to work backward from the end date to find milestones that will keep them on track. For example, if they want to make $50,000 by the end of their 6-month contract, have them set a $40,000 goal date, a $30,000 goal date, etc. These regular milestones allow you to track their progress and respond with corrective coaching if they are off track.
As the client describes their goals by the end of their contract, ask them what is important to them about each goal. This allows you to expand and deepen your client’s awareness of their goals.
The next step is to find out what is getting in their way and blocking them from what they want. Doing this will elicit the negative thoughts and emotions around each goal. For each goal, you may ask, “on a scale of 1-10, how much do you believe you can have that?” you can follow up with, “what does that number represent to you?” Asking your clients to scale their beliefs around each goal will allow you to dig deeper to find the blocks. You can even ask, “if you don’t get to your goal, how is that a problem for you?” With this question, the client will give you more information about why this goal is important to them and what belief system prohibits them from seeing results. Once you have the negative thoughts, repeat these questions to find the negative emotions coming up for each goal. So, for example, “when you think about your goal, what are the negative emotions that come up for you?” And, “if you do not get your goal, what will you feel?” Finally, ask the client what is keeping them from having the goal. These questions will elicit specific information about what is getting in the way. This will direct you to the negative thoughts and emotions you will be working on with the client.
Once you have defined their goals and the negative thoughts and emotions that are blocking them from their goals, you’ll want to ask questions that allow you to get to know your client more extensively.
To start, ask the client if they have any medical conditions you should know about. If they do, ask them to get a referral from their physician before working with you. Similarly, ask your client if they are currently working with a therapist. Again, if they are working with a therapist, ask for a referral.
You do not need a referral if they worked with a therapist in the past but not currently. Yet, it’s essential to ask what they did and did not like about their experience with therapy. What worked for them in therapy? What did not work with therapy? What would they like to do differently? You will also want to know if your client has previously worked with a coach. And if they have, ask what they liked and did not like about that experience. Ask them how they would like to show up differently with you.
After understanding your client’s history, you’ll want to ask them how they prefer to communicate. For example, ask your clients if they would like sharp and direct observations from you or if they would like more soft and indirect communications. Knowing your client’s preferred communication style will allow you to express your questions and observations in the best way for the individual client. You may also want to ask your client how they would like you to support them if they become triggered. Lastly, It would behoove you to ask your client how they would like you to show up if and when a conflict arises. In asking all these questions, you will know how your client prefers you to show up in any given situation.
Getting to know your clients on their first call will require more than asking about their goals. You’ll want to create a clear understanding of why the client wants those goals, as well as what is blocking them. You’ll also want to find out about their past medical, therapy, and coaching history. And finally, you’ll want to ask questions that allow you to understand your client’s communication style. A set of questions to onboard clients is crucial for the client’s success and your success as the coach. If you’re looking for more support with coaching, or you’re looking for an ICF certification program, you can contact us at GeniusUnlocked.coach
