Size Up and Discern New Clients Immediately
by Thomas J. Leonard

Often, a new coach is so eager to work with a new client that they don't take the time to properly peg, discern or label the new client. As a result, 2-3 months can go by before the coach "catches on" to some pretty important stuff about the client and the coaching relationship that exists. Here are some questions to ask yourself (and even of the client) before you start, or immediately after starting, your coaching with them.

1. Does this person have enough emotional strength to make big changes in their life right now?

2. Am I just another professional that this person is going to "go through," yet not really benefit from?

3. Am I being related to as a coach, or a parent, friend, sibling, colleague, consultant, librarian or "the solution to their problems?"

4. How much action are they taking to become more successful, right away?

5. Am I concerned/worried/frustrated with this client?

6. What are the problems we are going to have in our relationship within 6 months?

7. What is this client bringing out in ME?

8. How can I best serve this client?

9. What should our Number One focus be? Why?

10. What's the lever, trimtab, pivot point, access point, truth that needs to be touched/dealt with immediately so that this client can leap forward quickly?