HOW CAREER COACHES HELP THEIR CLIENTS ACHIEVE PROGRESS.

1. Help Clients Understand Their ‘Why’

An effective accountability strategy drives meaningful progress and celebrates incremental wins, rather than leaving both parties spinning their wheels. I partner with clients to co-create an accountability plan that honors their autonomy and wisdom. A key tip for fostering accountability and progress is helping clients deeply understand their “why.” When clients know why their goals personally matter and believe in their ability to achieve them, it boosts intrinsic motivation, which is far more powerful than extrinsic motivation.

2. Set Up A Weekly Reflection Practice

Coaches work with clients for a specific period of time, so it’s key that clients develop practices to support them after the engagement has ended. I recommend a weekly reflection practice where clients review the goals they had set up for the week and contrast this to what actually happened. This practice is not punitive; rather, the goal is to provide realistic insights and foster greater self-awareness.

3. Ask Clients To Reaffirm Their Commitments

At the start of every coaching call, we do a check-in to track progress on my client’s goals. We explore the obstacles that got in the way and recast the goal when needed. At the end of each call, the client states their commitments, and I ask, “On a scale of one to 10, how committed are you to reaching this goal?” Another question I ask is, “What do you need to put in place to be accountable for reaching your goal(s)?

4. Remind Clients Of Their Goal

It is up to the client to hold themselves accountable. First, it is important to determine whether they are committed to the goal or simply interested in it. If they are committed, then the drive is more determined. My role is to remind them of their goal and why they want it. We continue to co-create the way forward, shifting where needed, until the goal is accomplished. 

5. Set Up Regular Check-Ins

I establish clear, measurable goals with my clients and set up regular check-ins so that we can discuss challenges and adjust strategies if needed. Accountability for both the coach and the client ensures momentum is maintained and everyone remains focused on their objectives. Additionally, celebrating the wins along the way reinforces positivity and keeps motivation high.