We are often asked how we know a coaching engagement has been successful.  To us, success is the point at which our clients...

consistently take new, more effective action;

integrate new competencies so fully that they become second nature;

have shifted in some way that is significant to them and to their organizations and

independently sustain the new behavior over time. 

But coaching can be a long process, and many clients want to know how we assess their progress are along the way.  Here are the milestones against which we gauge our clients' mid-stream progress.

1. Acceptance: Has the client internalized both the nature and degree of change that is needed?
2. Investment: How fully has the client invested in the coaching conversations and assigned exercises?  Has she devoted time and energy to the development process?
3. Change of Perspective: Is the client is paying attention to self and others in a new way?  Has there been a fundamental shift in perspective that will allow for new behavior?   
4. Behavior Change:  Is the client behaving differently as a result of a) changing her focus of attention and b) integrating new skills?  How consistently is the new behavior occurring?  Is it integrated enough such that it has become habit? 

By half way through the coaching engagement, we expect that the first three milestones have been met.  The fourth milestone is the primary focus and product of the latter half of the engagement. 

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