Exploring The Client's Context

Coaching context describes the specific environment, circumstances, and objectives surrounding a coaching interaction or relationship.  Context can vary widely depending on the nature of the coaching, who is involved and what the goals are.

This can include the "type" of coaching as this may influence how the client perceives you as a coach and what they believe they can bring to coaching. At Optimus we promote the whole person, holistic approach however we may modify the elements depending on who we're coaching and how we've contracted.

The coaching setting can also impact the coaching relationship for example whether it's organisational or personal, in person or online. For all settings understanding more about the context can support you to help your clients identify what they can do for example in a workplace with a traditional structure there may be less scope for influence by a leader than in a flatter less hierarchical structure. This context will impact the clients thinking and decision making.

Equally, the cultural background of the coach and the client and the systems in which they operate can impact the coaching relationship. This is why it's so important as coaches to do your own work so you can be aware of any biases, assumptions and biases you bring to the coaching relationship which may impact how you show up and support your clients. 

Finally, client context may dictate the approach that you use. For some clients especially at the start of the relationship a more transactional approach may be most effective using coaching models to build trust and safety before going deeper with the clients. 

• Context often links into identity : understanding the way our clients perceive the systems that they operate in can help them look at how they want to be in these systems
• The environment which a client is in can impact their brain and body (nervous system) therefore exploring this can be useful in coaching effectiveness and may mean having coaching sessions in different locations e.g. out of the office or house
• As a coach you need to appreciate the impact of your clients context on their ability to move forward and recognise that your clients progress may be different to how you make progress. It's recommended you check in with your clients to see how they feel about the sessions and the progress they are making.
• As a coach you're non judgemental and need to be sensitive to clients’ identity, environment, experiences, values and beliefs 

Understanding both your own and your clients context is a theme which runs throughout the course including in Module 1 and Module 4 Coaching Psychology as well as Neuroscience. We provide additional training around context including exploring diversity and inclusion so you can create spaces which are inclusive and supportive to all clients.