Finding the Best Time for Coaching

Some times are better than others. Subject to coach’s availability, here are factors to consider that might influence when you want to schedule our sessions.

Consider Time of Day and Time of Week

Early in the Day:

• Benefits:
  • Start your day with a clear and focused mindset.
  • Experience fewer interruptions and distractions, allowing for a more productive session.
  • Set a positive tone for the rest of the day.

Early in the Week:

• Benefits:
  • Set the agenda and priorities for the week ahead.
  • Address issues proactively, before they escalate.
  • Provide a fresh start and help align on goals and strategies.

Late in the Day:

• Benefits:
  • Handle urgent tasks and priorities before the session.
  • Reflect on the day's events and integrate learnings.
  • Find a quieter time as the office winds down.

Late in the Week:

• Benefits:
  • Reflect on the week’s progress and challenges.
  • Wrap up the week with clear actions and takeaways.
  • Debrief and reset before the weekend.

Impact Audit to Review and Adjust Schedule

As an international coach working in multiple timezones, I’ve had engagements end because of the difficulties finding a sustainable time for all parties.

Here are 10 factors to consider the sustainability of your scheduling.

• Sleep Disruption:
  • Are sessions impacting your sleep quality or duration?
  • Solution: Adjust session times to avoid late evenings or early mornings if they interfere with sleep.
• Workflow Disruption:
  • Are sessions causing significant interruptions in your workflow?
  • Solution: Schedule sessions during natural breaks or low-activity periods in your day.
• Stress Levels:
  • Are you feeling overwhelmed trying to fit coaching into an already packed schedule?
  • Solution: Spread sessions out more, or opt for shorter, more frequent check-ins.
• Energy Levels:
  • Are you feeling mentally drained during or after coaching sessions?
  • Solution: Schedule sessions during times when you feel most alert and energetic.
• Engagement and Focus:
  • Are you fully engaged during the sessions, or do you find your mind wandering?
  • Solution: Choose a time when you can minimize distractions and interruptions.
• Meeting Overload:
  • Are coaching sessions back-to-back with other meetings, leaving little time for breaks?
  • Solution: Space out coaching sessions from other meetings to avoid burnout.
• Work-Life Balance:
  • Are coaching sessions encroaching on personal or family time?
  • Solution: Schedule sessions during work hours or at times that do not conflict with personal commitments.
• Physical Health:
  • Are you experiencing physical symptoms like headaches or fatigue related to the timing of coaching sessions?
  • Solution: Adjust the timing to avoid periods when you might be experiencing physical discomfort.
• Productivity Patterns:
  • How do coaching sessions align with your peak productivity periods?
  • Solution: Schedule sessions when you are typically less engaged in high-focus tasks.
• Emotional Readiness:
  • Are you emotionally prepared for coaching sessions at the scheduled times?
  • Solution: Choose times when you feel most emotionally stable and ready to engage.