ACTION PLANNING

Working through some of the questions above is only the first step on a development path . To achieve real change an action plan has to be developed with key actions and dates to be achieved. This plan should be revisited at the start of every coaching session. If the coaching is related to skill or knowledge transfer, the learning should be reviewed at the start of each session. True competence is only ever achieved through putting the skills and knowledge into practice, not just once but consistently over a period of time.

The coaching process can be a very valuable start to a lifelong process of consideration, reflection and action:

Success begins the moment we understand that life is about growing, it is about acquiring the knowledge and skills to live more fully and effectively. Life is meant to be a never-ending education and when this is fully appreciated we are no longer survivors, but adventurers. Life becomes a journey of discovery, an exploration into our potential. Any joy and exuberance we experience in living are the fruits of our willingness to risk, our openness to change, and our ability to create what we want for our lives.

(McNally, 1993)