Coaching Challenges Discussion Guide

Developing Successful Coaching Relationships

Managing the coaching relationship and process requires commitment and focus. But there are ongoing
challenges as the coachee uses new skills and behaviors. Use this discussion guide to review types of
coaching challenges. Start by getting ready and then use the guide to have a discussion with a coach.

This Leader Led Activity should take about 20 minutes to conduct.

Getting Ready
Steps Action
1 Get clear Clarify what you're trying to achieve through this developmental
effort.
Example: The goal of this discussion is to prepare to meet
coaching challenges.
2 Prepare yourself  Review Topic: Handling Coaching Challenges
 Make copies of the Tool: Coaching Challenges (found in the
Resources area of the course Developing Successful Coaching
Relationships) to use during the discussion
3 Prepare others Communicate in advance to those who will participate in the
session, including a brief explanation and agenda.
Example: During this discussion we will:
 Examine a few types of coaching challenges
 Use a tool to consider challenges and actions

© 2018 Skillsoft Ireland Limited

Discussion
Review Coaching As coachees try new behaviors and practices, challenges can
Challenges arise. Coaches must be prepared and ready to assist the coachee.
Slide: Coaching Challenges
(10 minutes)
 Breaking old habits.
 Lack of motivation or commitment.
 Ongoing performance issues.
Slide: Coaching Challenge: Breaking Old Habits
 Coachees may fall back into old practices when in the "heat of
the battle."
 Tip: Help the coachee use "cues" such as counting to three or
taking a deep breath.
Slide: Coaching Challenge: Lack of Motivation or Commitment
 Coachees may not succeed the first time they try new
behaviors, and this can be demotivating.
 Tip: Schedule regular check-ins with the coachee to keep the
momentum going.
Slide: Coaching Challenge: Ongoing Performance Issues
 Sometimes performance issues aren't flagged early enough
and, despite the coaching effort, the coachee still cannot do the
job.
 Tip: Consider will and skill. If the coachee has the skill but not
the will, use motivation and encouragement. If there is will but
not skill, training may be a solution.
Ask if there are other challenges or tips that the coach(es) have
encountered, and make note of them for future reference or
discussion.

Coaching Challenges Use the Tool: Coaching Challenges to describe any challenging
situations the coach is facing and what actions to consider taking in
(10 minutes) response.

© 2018 Skillsoft Ireland Limited