Schedule a 10 minute meeting prior to the course. It can be an informal meeting over coffee, a scheduled chat in the office or a phone call if necessary.  Simply let the person know that you are aware they will be away on a course next week, you appreciate their efforts, and want to talk about what they are hoping to gain from the training. The following questions can be used as a guide. You can personalize them to your own style.

1 What are you hoping to gain from this course?

2 Are you facing any particular challenges that you hope this program will help  you address?

3 Is there anything you need from me to help facilitate your development in this area? How can I help?

End the conversation by reinforcing any goals they have set, offering any observations you may have, and scheduling the next two meetings: one for the week following the course, and one for a month after the course.

Remember this meeting is to encourage and reinforce their choice to learn how to be better at coaching.

Download & Print