Time management in coaching support

Questions to ask yourself

There are many questions around the timing of a support programme:
Pace: Should you establish a routine with scheduled check-ins at regular intervals, or wait to be contacted when needed?
Frequency: Is it more efficient to meet (in person or by video) every week, every month, or on another rhythm?
Appointment length: Should you favour short appointments of no more than half an hour to focus the exchange on very factual points, or rely on longer sessions that allow you to go deeper on certain topics that necessarily need time before they can "come to fruition"?

To each their preference

Each time, the answer could be: "it depends"! It depends on the subject, the framework, the needs, etc. The ideal is to adapt according to the coaching, the person being supported, and the objectives.
And yet, do you change your relationship with time for each support programme?
Don't we apply the same rhythm to most of the people we support?
It's fascinating to see that everyone has their own conviction, and that coaches I deeply respect have opposite approaches on these topics.
On my side, I would answer:

• Pace: Regular. Without scheduled check-ins, people being supported forget or don't always dare to contact us.
• Frequency: One appointment roughly every 3 weeks, with the possibility to call or write to me at any time if there's the slightest question.
• Length: Between 1h and 1h30.

One thing is certain: time flies!

And whatever our methodology, letting support drift over time is a real brake on its quality.
To avoid this, I try never to end an appointment without having set the next one. That avoids forgetting and/or exchanging numerous messages afterwards to find the first slot that suits both schedules!
And of course I use Follow Lab PRO to always keep track of my support programmes, and visibility on time spent and upcoming deadlines.