Coaching over video as we move to home working? 6 tips to help get the best out of it

In light of the current situation with Covid-19, our work as coaches will be done much more on video. Coaching over video can work and I use it as a platform with overseas clients very successfully. However, if you’re having coaching over video, there are some factors to be taken into consideration and some things for you to do to help it be successful. This is what I have recently suggested to a client who are investing in their leaders now, more so than ever in this turbulent time. Leaders need the support probably more now than they did before.

1. Think about the location you are going to use for your session. If you can move yourself to another area where you’ve not been working, that will help break the mental cycle of your current work activities. It’s likely you’ll be at home, so select somewhere where you are comfortable. That’s most important.
2. Take yourself away from whatever work you are doing 15 minutes (or more if you can) before your call starts. Allow yourself some time to reflect and think. Make a coffee, get some water, walk around a bit. Clear your head of whatever it was you were just working on. I urge you to avoid jumping off one call and straight on to your coaching session.
3. At the end of the session, adopt the same practices as point 2. Give yourself at least 15 minutes before going back to your work. This will allow your thoughts time to settle and will help you to get the best out of the session.
4. Write up some notes after the session. This would of course also apply if we were meeting in person.
5. If you become unwell or need to care for a relative and need to change the call time, just let me know as soon as you. Flexibility most definitely is needed by us all during this period.
6. If schools are closed and your children are at home, I understand if a little one runs in to the room you’re in! Please don’t worry.