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

In this episode we discuss how clients can inadvertently keep themselves stuck by ignoring aspects of themselves, others or the situation. Discounting is a classic topic that emerges in coaching sessions.

We share how using Julie Hay’s “Steps to Success” model can help to shed a light on a client’s discounting beliefs and create more enabling ones. This approach is versatile in its application, but can be practically applied in-person through using physical cards on the floor and walking side-by-side with a client, helping them to embody each stage in the process.

We offer useful coaching tips focused on how, as a coach, we might tune into what clients are discounting, reflecting on one’s own biases as a coach, and fostering genuine partnership.

This is the article we reference - thanks to Spark for this. This includes the diagram for steps to success:

https://www.sparkcoachingandtraining.co.uk/blog/transactional-analysis-discount-store-of-coaching#:~:text=Remember%20that%20discounting%20is%20an,done%20something%20about%20this%20earlier.

This episode is a valuable listen for coaches looking to deepen their understanding of client resistance and strengthen their coaching conversations.

In this episode we explore how psychodynamic concepts like projection, shadow, and transference show up in coaching. These unconscious patterns can distort the coaching relationship, making reflective practice essential for staying present and effective.

We highlight the role of supervision in spotting these dynamics, supporting coaches normatively, formatively, and restoratively. Parallel process - when patterns in coaching mirror the client’s wider context - can offer powerful insights.

We share three practical tools to deepen self-awareness and strengthen client work.

In this episode we explore the impact of global turbulence on our coaching practice. With ongoing uncertainty in the world, including recent political events, we discuss how these external challenges affect both coaches and our clients. We dive into key themes such as emotional impact, self-awareness, supervision, and the importance of reflective practice.

Sarah reflects on her approach to media consumption, questioning whether avoiding distressing news is self-protection or a way of disconnecting. We discuss how world events shape our clients’ experiences, particularly those facing discrimination or personal struggles, and why coaches must be aware of these influences. Supervision provides a vital space to regulate emotions, stay present, and avoid becoming entangled in clients’ challenges. Although we've already recorded one episode on supervision, there is so much to say on this topic that we've recorded another,

We also explore strategies for creating safe, open coaching spaces, setting clear expectations, and developing a “third eye” perspective—stepping back to observe both the client and ourselves. Through thoughtful discussion, we offer insights on resilience, preparedness, and maintaining authenticity in the face of uncertainty.

In this episode, we discuss the often-overlooked topic of endings in coaching relationships. This is an update to a special we did when Gregor’s Coaching At Work article was published but we’ve updated and expanded on our thinking since. So we’ve explored how endings can impact both coaches and clients, offering practical insights and tips on how to approach this significant stage of the coaching process.

Also, we reflect on how clients may struggle with letting go of the coaching relationship and how coaches can approach this phase with care and thoughtfulness.

We talk about how integrating measurable outcomes into the coaching process—such as reviewing achievements and impact with clients—can be a valuable part of a coaching practice.

Touched upon is the importance of thinking about coaching as a process that impacts not just the individual, but the team, clients, and suppliers. We recommend exploring the broader effects of the coaching work and how those ripple effects can inform future coaching endeavours.

We share our 3 top tips on ending coaching engagements.

Resources:

• Rachael Hanley-Browne https://www.rh-b.com/
• Article Gregor co-authored in Coaching At Work magazine: https://www.coaching-at-work.com/2022/04/29/finishing-touches/
• Previous episode on endings if you really want it! https://the-coaching-question.captivate.fm/episode/how-do-we-best-end-coaching-engagements

In this episode, we dive into the critical distinction between empathy and compassion in coaching, exploring how these concepts influence the effectiveness of coaching sessions.

Drawing from our own coaching and supervisory experiences, we discuss the importance of boundaries, self-awareness, and personal responsibility in both coaching and supervision.

We touch on how coaches can maintain their energy and emotional resilience in their practice.

As usual, we share our 3 top tips.

If you found this episode useful, please consider leaving a positive review on Apple Podcasts. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners!

Resources:

• Robin Shohet: This isn’t a direct quote but he encourages coaches to pay exquisite attention to how someone makes you feel.
• Kristin Neff: Self-compassion expert, with further resources on her website; https://self-compassion.org

In this episode, we explore the dynamics of "inside-out" versus "outside-in" coaching approaches and how these impact sustainable transformation for leaders.

We discuss the nuanced process of recognising when clients are ready for deeper, reflective work and using "safe experiments" to help leaders overcome resistance and embrace deeper transformation

Touching on frameworks like Immunity to Change, we highlight the importance of creating space for reflection, especially in high-pressure roles.

We also delve into the evolving journey of coaches themselves, offering valuable insights for anyone aiming to lead from a place of authenticity and resilience.

Resources:

Forbes article on Inside Out Leadership: How Leading From The ‘Inside Out’ Transforms Lives, Work Cultures And Businesses

Forbes article on Stoic Leadership: Stoic Lessons For A Successful Leadership Mindset

Book: ​​One Small Step Can Change Your Life: The Kaizen Way by Robert Maurer

In this episode, we dive into the nuanced dynamics of coaching relationships, exploring the importance of progress markers, autonomy, and the delicate balance between ongoing support and the risk of dependency.

We discuss how effective coaching isn’t just about achieving goals, but involves creating a "thinking partnership" that helps clients broaden their perspectives, especially at senior levels.

We emphasise the value of supervision as a critical tool for coaches to manage relational boundaries, maintain client autonomy, and address potential dependencies on both sides.

Whether you're a coach, a coaching supervisor, or someone in HR commissioning and managing coaching contracts, this episode offers insights into structuring impactful, sustainable coaching engagements.