Setting norms and expectations for any coaching relationship is essential for all fruitful coaching relationships. Conversations about purpose, pace, progress and the relationships should occur throughout the coaching relationship.

TODAY'S TAKEAWAYS

• Review forms and conversations that take place throughout a coaching contract

Review questions from recent sessions
Q & A with coach, Tom Smith
List stages in a coaching relationship
Review  commonly used coaching tools
Identify tools each student needs

Purpose:
Explore whether coaching is right for the client and whether you’re a good fit.

Script:
“Thanks for taking time today. My goal is to learn more about you, your goals, and what you’d like to accomplish. I’ll also share how I work as a coach. At the end, we’ll decide together if this is the right fit.”

Questions/Topics:

• What brings you to coaching at this time?
• What would success look like after 3–6 months?
• Have you worked with a coach before? What worked and what didn’t?
• What values or qualities are most important in someone you’d partner with?
• Do you feel comfortable with my style?

Tools/Forms:

• Pre-call intake form (short goals + background)
• Fit checklist (values, style, availability, expectations)

Purpose: 
Set clear boundaries, expectations, and logistics.

Script:
“Before we dive into coaching, let’s set up the framework. This will make sure our time is effective and we’re both clear on expectations.”

Questions/Topics:

• How often will we meet? (frequency, duration)
• What are preferred modes of communication?
• What are boundaries around texting/emailing between sessions?
• What happens if either of us needs to cancel?
• How do you best learn and hold yourself accountable?

Tools/Forms:

• Coaching norms document (confidentiality, roles, expectations)
• Session logistics sheet (frequency, location/virtual platform, duration)

Purpose:
Create transparency so clients know what to expect.

Script:
“Here’s the flow of a typical session. We’ll check in, clarify what’s most important for you today, explore that topic, generate insights and options, and close with next steps. Does that feel like it will serve you?”

Questions/Topics:

• How do you like to be challenged?
• Do you prefer more structured guidance or open exploration?
• What helps you leave a conversation with clarity?

Tools/Forms:

• One-page session roadmap (Start–Explore–Decide–Act–Reflect)
• Note-taking template (topic, insights, actions, accountability)

Purpose:
Clarify scope, duration, financials, and commitments.

Script:
“To support our partnership, I’ll prepare a coaching agreement that outlines confidentiality, commitments, session structure, fees, and termination. Let’s review it together and adjust as needed.”

Questions/Topics:

• What level of accountability are you expecting?
• Are you comfortable with the financial terms and schedule?
• What expectations do you have about confidentiality?

Tools/Forms:

• Coaching agreement (contract with signatures)
• Payment schedule or invoice system

Purpose:
Reflect on progress and ensure the relationship is effective.

Script:
“We’ve been working together for a while now. I’d like to pause and check in. How is this relationship serving you? What adjustments would you like to see?”

Questions/Topics:

• What has been most helpful?
• What could be improved in how I coach you?
• Are we working on the right goals?
• How would you rate the effectiveness of our partnership on a scale of 1–10?

Tools/Forms:

• Midpoint reflection form (progress, what’s working, what’s not)
• Feedback loop (rating scale + open-ended prompts)

Purpose:
Help clients capture growth and insights over time.

Script:
“Let’s create a rhythm for capturing your wins and learnings. This not only celebrates progress but also helps you see patterns in your growth.”

Questions/Topics:

• What are the top 2–3 wins since our last session?
• What insights or shifts have you noticed in yourself?
• What new practices or habits are sticking?

Tools/Forms:

• Coaching journal or reflection tracker
• Success log (milestones, insights, quotes)
• Dashboard/scorecard (visual tracking of goals)

Purpose:
Mark the end of the relationship with gratitude, reflection, and closure.

Script:
“As we wrap up our coaching relationship, let’s reflect on your journey—what you’ve learned, how you’ve grown, and what you want to carry forward. Coaching is ending, but your growth continues.”

Questions/Topics:

• What were the most valuable outcomes of our time together?
• How have you changed as a leader/person?
• What will you continue practicing after coaching ends?
• How will you hold yourself accountable moving forward?
• What final words of gratitude or encouragement would you like to share?

Tools/Forms:

• Final reflection form (successes, lessons, commitments)
• Closing letter or summary (coach-written reflection + encouragement)

Purpose: 
Continue to support and resource client in limited ways while reminding client that you're a valuable resource for your upcoming opportunities and challenges.

Script:
“I'd like to continue to support your ongoing intention as we build upon what we've accomplished through our coaching relationship. Would you like me to include you on my weekly/quarterly emails that provide helpful insights and resources? Would you mind if I periodically text or call you to see what's new or how you're doing?

Connect Tools & Forms:

• End of year or seasonal resources
• E-newsletter
• Online community - Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, etc.
• Shareable postcards related to new products

Summary:
These 8 conversations—fit, onboarding, session flow, contracting, check-ins, tracking progress, closure, and staying connected—create a full coaching arc. Each stage benefits from a combination of scripts, questions, and forms/tools that bring clarity, accountability, and celebration into the coaching relationship.