Building the Coaching Agreement Flashcards

When a sponsoring organization pays for executive coaching but the coachee's personal goals conflict with organizational goals, what should the coaching agreement address?

Answer: Establish a three-way agreement that clarifies boundaries and distinguishes organizational from personal objectives

A three-way agreement between coach, coachee, and sponsor clarifies how organizational and personal objectives will be balanced and where confidentiality boundaries lie.

Which element is MOST critical when renegotiating a coaching agreement mid-engagement?

Answer: Revisiting and explicitly documenting the new terms with all relevant parties

Renegotiation requires explicit discussion and documentation of changed terms so all parties share a clear, updated mutual understanding.

In executive coaching, a 'psychological contract' refers to:

Answer: Unwritten mutual expectations about how the coaching relationship will operate

The psychological contract consists of unspoken, mutual expectations about roles, behaviors, and obligations that exist alongside the formal written agreement.

An executive coach is hired by a corporation but the executive coachee refuses to share agreed-upon progress updates with the sponsor. The coach should:

Answer: Refer back to the three-way agreement to determine what reporting was contractually agreed upon

The pre-established three-way agreement is the authoritative document that defines what information flows to the sponsor and under what conditions.

What distinguishes a coaching agreement from a coaching contract?

Answer: A contract covers legal and logistical terms; an agreement also captures working relationship norms and goals

While a contract addresses fees, scheduling, and legal terms, the coaching agreement additionally defines how the relationship will function, communication norms, and goal-setting expectations.

When establishing a coaching agreement with a C-suite executive, which of the following is LEAST appropriate to include?

Answer: Specific therapeutic interventions for unresolved trauma

Coaching is distinct from therapy; including therapeutic interventions for trauma falls outside executive coaching scope and ethical boundaries.

A coach and executive agree verbally to coaching terms but never formalize a written agreement. Which risk does this PRIMARILY create?

Answer: Misaligned expectations may go undetected until they cause relationship breakdown

Without a written agreement, differing interpretations of goals, confidentiality, and success metrics can silently undermine the coaching relationship.