How can you help a coachee identify their well-being goals?

Assessing the current state of well-being is pivotal in guiding coachees towards their goals. Utilizing tools like the Wheel of Life offers a structured approach. By rating various life domains, coachees gain clarity on areas needing attention. Open-ended questions delve deeper into the underlying reasons behind their ratings, fostering self-awareness. As an executive coach, I've witnessed coachees gain valuable insights into their well-being through this process. Reflecting on Maya Angelou's words, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive," encourages coachees to aspire for holistic well-being. Through collaborative exploration, coachees define actionable goals aligned with their values and aspirations.

I invite my clients to take an Energy Leadership Index which provides a snapshot of their current state of thinking and feeling. The report reveals an energetic make up to explore how clients spent their time and energy, which thoughts they entertain and how it affects their emotional state. With awareness, comes greater choices and opportunities.

Assessing the current level of "well-being" of the Coachees is the foremost step to devise needed coaching processes. "Wheel of life" with 8 domains is an effective tool to demonstrate to the Coachees of their current level and to move forward towards betterment.

To help a coachee identify their well-being goals, I've found the Wheel of Life tool to be incredibly effective. It categorizes life into areas like career, health, and relationships, allowing coachees to rate their satisfaction in each on a 1-10 scale. This visual representation highlights where they excel and where improvement is needed. Following up with open-ended questions about their ratings deepens the insight, uncovering the reasons behind their current state of well-being. This method facilitates a holistic view, encouraging self-reflection and providing a clear foundation for personalized goal setting. It's a powerful starting point that sets the stage for meaningful progress in enhancing their overall well-being.

The cornerstone of transformative coaching lies in the ability to help clients articulate a vivid vision of their future selves. Encouraging clients to visualize and describe their ideal state of well-being in specific, sensory-rich details—what it looks like, feels like, and sounds like—serves as a powerful motivational force. This process not only fosters a deeper connection to their goals but also embeds a sense of purpose and urgency in their pursuit, making the path to achievement clear and navigable.

To revolutionize goal-setting for well-being, adopt the SMART framework with a creative twist. Encourage your coachee to articulate goals that are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound, diving deep into the 'why' behind each aspiration. Elevate this process by having them visualize and document their ideal state of well-being in detail—what it looks, feels, and sounds like. This approach transforms vague desires into vivid, sensory-rich goals, fostering a deep, personal connection to their journey. It's not just about setting goals; it's about bringing their envisioned future into the present, making the pursuit of well-being a compelling narrative of transformation.

One time at work, I introduced the GROW model to help a coachee craft a precise action plan for their well-being goals. We began by aligning their ambitions with the SMART framework, ensuring each goal was clear and actionable. Reflecting on their current situation provided a grounded starting point, while brainstorming allowed us to explore a variety of paths forward. Choosing the most viable options, we then committed to specific timelines and milestones, emphasizing accountability. This method transformed abstract goals into a concrete plan, empowering my coachee to navigate their journey with confidence and clarity. It was a reminder of how structured planning can turn aspirations into reality, making well-being an achievable target.

While clients typically don't initially seek executive coaching specifically for well-being goals like stress management, physical health, or integrating more time for fun, these aspects often become prominent objectives as coaching progresses. Acknowledging and addressing these needs alongside the primary coaching goals is essential to ensure a comprehensive approach to client development.

Ask the client what well-being means to them. Different people mean different things and it’s important to work with the client’s own definition. Also, it’s important to help them understand what is within their control as well as what they might be prepared to give up. What gets in the way and they haven’t yet achieved what they set out to?

Personal well-being is something that is impacted by the need to self-sabotage. The need to self-sabotage happens when the coachee does not have a healthy and functional relationship with themselves. The only way the client can prioritise their well being is when they are able to create a healthier more functional relationship with themselves. Once this happens the coachee will be motivated to not only prioritise personal well-being but also do it consistently for longer periods of time.