It’s important to have an effective evaluation process in any coaching system because it establishes an understanding of the client. The process of evaluation and reflection enables me to understand who my clients are and really hone in on their identities. By understanding what motivates a client, I can adapt my process to ensure maximum productivity during our calls. Once I gain an understanding of a client’s fears and concerns for example, I can zero in on what my client needs to be reminded of in order to maintain focus and not falter from progress. I would argue that evaluation and reflection is at the heart of any coaching practice and it helps coaches avoid falling into complacency and a “one-size-fits-all” approach to coaching.

Establish trust

To effectively evaluate and reflect, my aim is straight-forward—to get to know my client. It sounds obvious, but for coaching to have an effect, trust needs to be established and a client needs to feel understood. As coaches, we are invited into our clients’ lives and they need to feel that we have their best interests at heart.Therefore any advice or guidance I offer is felt with earnest intent.

Gain an understanding your client’s misery, bliss and gratitude

My process has my client’s essentially develop the following three lists:

1. A list of Misery - All things negative in their lives.

2. A list of Bliss - All things positive in their lives.

3. A list of Gratitude - All the things they appreciate in their lives.

I insist that my clients not hold back when compiling these lists. They’re intended to help understand their past experiences, present circumstances and desired outlook for the future.

Explore the negatives

When a client puts together a list of misery, I want them to explore everything, past or present, and even future uncertainties that negatively impacts their lives. It could involve everything around them externally such as people in their lives, their work, financial struggles and their current environment. I’ve even had clients put things like “gender equality” and “homelessness” - as misery is impacted from all aspects of life I encourage my  clients to think as far and wide as possible. If it impacts them negatively, albeit social, political, economical, I want them to add it. I also encourage them to include everything they feel internally: insecurity, stress, negative and destructive thoughts that restrict potential are examples of things I want my clients to be honest about.

Discover the positives

Bliss; here is where I want and expect my clients’ imaginations to run wild. I want a front row seat in the positive nature of my clients. Everything from their hobbies to the desires that excite them. I ask them to think about the positive experiences in their lives and hone in on the things they have always thought about doing and exploring one day. I love giving my clients this opportunity to reminisce about the good times in their lives and freely explore their desires, of which many have neverv been given much thought.

Balance with gratitude

Gratitude; to balance out the two extremes of misery and bliss. This final list grounds my clients and makes them aware of responsibility. It’s important for my clients to realize and acknowledge the things they are grateful for, to keep themselves aligned with their identities. I have my clients focus on points such as: family, health and wellness, time, safety and security and so on.

Construct their personal coaching program accordingly

These lists give great insight into who my clients are and how they’re motivated. This information is so crucial when constructing their personal coaching program because it tells me how to communicate with my clients. Think about it any relationship, professional or personal, when you begin to understand someone, you learn exactly how to get through to them. It also helps get them through the reason they sought our services.

I find evaluating and reflecting with these lists has made my clients understand what I can truly do for them. My coaching program branches out into a practice of identifying and fulfilling an array of life missions through to building a life one has often dreamed of. The coaching system I have developed is simple and helps my clients:

1. Reduce and eliminate misery - The things that restrict them from living and enjoying their lives.

2. Increase and embrace bliss  -  The things that make them feel alive and engaged with their lives.

3. Strengthen and maintain gratitude - The things that keep them alive and determined to make the most of their lives.

Success is always built on a firm foundation, my evaluation and reflection process is that foundation.

About Terry Sidhu

Terry Sidhu is a relationship, life and family coach with an advanced level diploma in psychology, based out of Vancouver, BC. You can connect with Terry through Noomii, his Website, Blog, Facebook and Twitter.

Check out these related articles:

• Avoid These 6 Blogging Blunders
• How to Better Connect With Coaching Clients Through Blogging
• How to Write Fantastic Content and Get More Coaching Clients
• How a High-Touch Partnership Will Make You An Indispensable Coach
• How Content Marketing Will Skyrocket Your Coaching Business
• Best Practices For Promoting Your Coaching Business on Social Media
• Basic Building Blocks of a Social Media Campaign