Contracting in coaching: beyond the tick box

In this episode we unpack contracting as a living, multi-layered practice rather than a one-time formality.

We explore three distinct levels of contracting:

• Administrative – The essentials: when and where sessions happen, confidentiality agreements, cancellation terms, fees, and note-taking.
• Professional – Clarifying goals, purpose, scope, and whether to involve other parties such as a line manager or HR.
• Psychological – The unspoken relational agreements, unconscious patterns, and “felt sense” of the coaching space.

Drawing on real-world examples, we show how unconscious dynamics - such as parent-child patterns - can affect the work, and why Always Be Contracting (ABC) is such a useful mantra. We discuss practical ways to keep contracts alive, including naming ruptures in the relationship and agreeing upfront how to address them.

We also delve into psychological distance between coach, coachee, and organisational stakeholders, using the concept of the three cornered contract from Julie Hay. Rarely an equal-sided triangle, the shape reflects engagement levels and potential for collusion.

We discuss multi-stakeholder contracting: bringing all key parties (coach, coachee, sponsor/HR) together at the start and ideally again mid-way and at the end, to align on purpose, roles, confidentiality, and progress.

If you’ve only seen contracting as a tick-box exercise, this episode might change your view, and your practice.

Resources:

Three levels of contracting

Contracting in team coaching