How Coaches Can Get Unstuck

Ideas for Conversational Direction

Coaching, by and large, is improvisational. As much as a coach may want to have a plan for where they hope the conversation will go or a list of "go-to" questions in mind, adhering to the principles of coaching means the coachee drives the bus. A session that appropriately reflects the coachee's agency may go in a completely different direction than the coach anticipated.

It's reasonable — and it can often feel more comfortable — for a coach to come to the table with some ideas for what they may ask and where they may direct the conversation. However, when a session moves into unanticipated territory, a coach can feel thrown off their game, and can get "stuck" — realizing that the questions they had in mind aren't relevant, and blanking out on what they could ask next.

If and when that "oh no, where do I go from here" moment happens to you, here are a few ideas for how to re-engage and throw the ball back to your coachee.

Shift back in time, to a reflection on recent experiences and choices: "Let's back up a moment: thinking about the past semester/month, what did you do well that you want to continue? What did not go as well as you had hoped, and how can you change it?"

Shift forward in time, to a vision question: "Considering this upcoming month/semester, what do you most want to accomplish? What could be your first step toward that goal today or this week?"

Focus on in-the-moment priorities: "Thinking about what you have on your plate right now, what is the highest-stakes, top-priority item to handle? How will you address it this week?"

Finally, it's never a bad idea to show your human fallibility. If you checked out briefly because you got in your head worrying about where the conversation was going, ask the coachee to repeat what they've just said, emphasizing that you want to understand it clearly. Re-engaging your active listening just might inspire that targeted, improvised question you were searching for.

Navigating these improvisational moments with confidence and flexibility is a skill that improves with the right training and practice. At LifeBound, we offer a variety of affordable and scalable training programs to help you practice and enhance your skills during these dynamic moments. Whether it’s our live 3-day virtual training, our new self-paced coaching success course, or in-depth certification program, there are multiple ways to invest in your skills and refine these vital nuances of effective coaching.

Make 2025 the Year Coaching Solves Higher Ed’s Toughest Challenges

Higher education is grappling with unprecedented challenges—rising mental health crises, the need for greater career readiness, and the unfortunate reality that many students struggle to secure meaningful employment or are let go shortly after starting. These issues affect not only individual students but also university outcomes like enrollment, retention, and long-term institutional success.

By equipping your staff with coaching training, you can help students build resilience, achieve meaningful employment, and address many challenges that universities face today. Allocate your budget toward LifeBound’s training options this year and plan ahead to ensure your institution is prepared to address these critical needs effectively. Let’s create a campus-wide culture of coaching and make an impact in 2025!

LifeBound offers multiple ways to train academic coaches, faculty, or staff:

3-Day Virtual Training

Next Class: Feb 7, 14, 21

A dynamic, interactive course focused on practical coaching techniques.

Self-Paced Inclusive Coaching Success Course

Choose Your Own Dates!

A flexible, 15-hour program designed for those who want to deepen their skills at their own pace. The course dives deep into foundational and advanced coaching techniques as well as motivation, resilience, career readiness, cultural competence and coaching diverse student populations, and includes private sessions with a LifeBound Coach. Institutional packages are available for group training.

LifeBound Certification Program

Summer Session: May 27 – August 26

For coaches ready to take their skills to the next level, the LifeBound Certification Program offers an in-depth dive into advanced coaching practices and strategies, culminating in certification as a LifeBound Coach.

Let’s make 2025 a year of transformation for your institution and the students you serve!

Learn More at lifebound.com

Live 3-Day Course

Format

Online

2025 Dates

February 7, 14, 21

March 14, 21, 28

April 4, 11, 18

May 2, 9, 16

(view all 2025 dates online)

Time

3 days, 6 hours each

Cost

$1,500 per person

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Self-Paced Course

Format

Online

Dates

Choose the dates that work best for your schedule

Time

15 hours (self-paced), plus 3 hours with LifeBound Coach

Cost

$1,500 per person

If you’ve already completed the 1-Day or 3-Day program, email contact@lifebound.com to receive a discount code for $500 off the new Self-Paced Course. Contact us about group rates.

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