Lights! Camera! Action! The Power of Action Points in Coaching Sessions

Mar 30

As a coach, my job is to help my clients achieve their goals. I provide support, guidance, and encouragement to help them overcome challenges and obstacles and reach their full potential. But one of the most important tools in my coaching arsenal is something much more concrete: Action Points.

Action Points are specific, actionable steps that clients can take to move closer to their goals. They can be anything from applying for a job to signing up for a pottery workshop to setting up a digital to-do list. The point is that they are concrete steps that clients can take before our next coaching session to ensure they make progress.

The reason Action Points work so well is that they provide clients with a clear, achievable target. It's one thing to talk about your goals and dreams, but it's another thing entirely to take concrete steps to achieve them. By setting action points, clients can break down their goals into smaller, more manageable pieces, making it easier to stay motivated and on track.

Another important aspect of action points is accountability. As a coach, I'm there to provide support and encouragement, but ultimately it's up to the client to take action. By setting action points, clients have a clear target to work towards, and I can help keep them accountable by checking in on their progress.

But Action Points are only effective if they are tailored to the individual client. That's why every coaching session I have with a client ends with at least one Action Point. These are not one-size-fits-all solutions; they are specific to the client's needs, goals, and challenges.

For example, if a client is struggling with time management, an Action Point might be to try time-blocking in their calendar. Or if a client is feeling stuck in their career, an Action Point might be to research possible organisations they'd like to work for. The point is to provide a clear, achievable step that will help the client move forward.

It's also important to note that Action Points don't have to be huge, life-changing tasks. They can be small things that help build momentum and motivation. For example, setting a 25-minute timer on a Monday morning to plan for the week can help a client feel more organised and productive, which can in turn help build confidence and motivation.

Action Points are an essential part of my coaching sessions. They provide my clients with concrete, achievable steps to take toward their goals, and help keep them accountable and motivated. If you're working with a coach, make sure you're setting Action Points at the end of each session. And if you're not working with a coach, try setting Action Points for yourself. You might be surprised at how much progress you can make by taking small, focused steps toward your goals.