A chemistry session is a chance for the coach and the client to meet (usually, but not always free of charge) so that both parties can make an assessment about fit – do they have the chemistry to work together successfully? Both parties should feel that their relationship has the potential to create mutual confidence, trust and the right interpersonal dynamics.

A great chemistry conversation can achieve:

For the client:

• A sense of connection, of being listened to
• An opportunity to get a feel for the approach and style of coaching* and conversation
• A way of understanding the specific experience of the coach

For the coach:

• An opportunity to explore the areas the client wants to work on
• A better understanding of how the client is likely to respond to their coaching approach and style*

For the client’s organisation (if applicable):

• Assurance that the client is taking ownership of their coaching

*A short note about ‘approach and style’ – it can be useful here to share more about the ‘who I am and how do I coach’ piece that you completed as part of your qualification.

It might be helpful to have a prepared list of areas that you feel it is important to cover, which could include:

• Establishing a space so that the client feels comfortable to explore what coaching can help them with
• Exploring their and your expectations and definitions of confidentiality
• Being ready to explain what coaching is and what it isn’t (some coaches share these definitions in advance)
• Being ready to share your background and experience, how you typically work, including costs if appropriate
• Being ready to share your qualifications, code of ethics and supervision arrangements (and sometimes to explain what supervision is)

However, it is important that where they are able to, the client leads the conversation – for example, they may have prepared a list of questions in advance that they want to ask of each coach that they meet.

1. Introductions

o Ask the client what they would find helpful to know about you

o Establish a confidential space

2. Goals 

o What are they looking to achieve, why is it important to them, how will they know when they have been successful?

3. Approach

o What methodologies you have available

o Any assessments or other resources that may be useful

o What style of coaching you use

4. Stakeholders

o Who will be involved and how

o Who will communicate, and what will be communicated?

5. Engagement plan

o How will coaching happen – when, where, how long will sessions be?

6. Next steps

o Time frame for making a decision

It depends! Some coaches find that the chemistry session is a good way to demonstrate their coaching style. If you choose to offer coaching during a chemistry session, it is important that this is contracted and agreed with the client.