As I prepare for a presentation for coaches on effectively setting the stage in a coaching engagement, I am reminded of one of the most powerful presentations to illustrate the significance of the coaching process when working with new clients. Years ago I was attending a coaching demonstration at the Capital Coaches Conference, an ICF regional conference in DC.

The coach faced the client like any typical conference demonstration. But this was different. There was a third empty chair placed between coach and client. Nothing was said about the chair until after the very effective demonstration when a participant asked about the purpose of the chair. The presenter responded, “always provide a chair for the coaching process!”

This metaphorical message was timely for me since I was struggling with burnout and feeling the weight and responsibility of my clients’ coaching experience. My own struggle was impacting my effectiveness as a coach. When I started to ‘make space’ for the coaching process, I was able to gain perspective and communicate expectations to my clients.

Clients come to coaching to get relief from their pain point. They don’t come thinking about coaching process or how to effectively partner with their coach. It’s up to us coaches to clearly communicate to the client how coaching is different than other services like mentoring, consulting or therapy. Revealing a little bit of the coaching process during sessions can have a profound impact on your overall coaching experience.