Transition Coaching Process
What is the process? Generally we start by establishing your ideal vision -what you define as a successful transition. We will follow that with an assessment of where your currently are with respect to that vision. How close are you to fitting into that ideal position with your skills, education, location, and other elements you deem important. The third step it to confirm your values. What is personally most important to you. The goal is to land a position that is fully aligns your vision with your values. Using these three elements you will embark on the path of achieving your vision.
Commencing coaching prior to a transition is optimum but not required. However, beginning after the transition has been very fruitful in positively shaping the change.
The recommended time period is a minimum of four sessions at an interval that works best for you. I have worked with individuals transitioning for up to a year. Many clients will like to take an assessment such as Emotional Intelligence or Strengths Finders to assist them in building their self-awareness.
Sessions can be face-to-face, on the phone or via video conferencing. A typical outline of a the six month process is:
- Session 1 (2 hours) – initial session to set establish the relationship, path, goals, and agreements.
- Session 2 (1 hour) – establish your vision of the ideal transition. Explore your values, life purpose, life/work balance, and strengths and how they affect this transition
- Session 3 (1 hour) – continue building your self-awareness, identify supporting relationships, and build a learning agenda to define the transition.
- Sessions 4- ? (1 hour) – using the information gained in the early sessions develop and experiment with new thoughts and actions to use in making decisions for the transition.
Continually assess your progress and adjust your plan based on what you learn along the way.
Final Session (1-hour) – plan for next steps and follow-on
The military-to-civilian, job promotion, or relocations are the most typical transitions. Taking time to explore and assess what is truly important to you can have profound impact making a fulfilling transition. We have all seen some acquaintances make expedient choices in a transition only to experience frustration, second thoughts, and another transition to make things right.
Explore what is most important to you and achieve what you want out of the next transition.