Coaching session preparation template
A short, reusable template for preparing a coaching session in a few minutes: the client’s desired outcome, what has changed since last time, current blockers, evidence and examples to explore, a working agenda, and the decisions to capture. Copy it, print it, or adapt it to your own style.
The session preparation template
COACHING SESSION PREPARATION Client: ______ Date: ______ Session #: ______ 1. Desired outcome for this session What does the client want to leave with? ______ 2. Progress since last session Commitments made last time: ______ What actually happened: ______ 3. Current blockers / tensions ______ 4. Evidence & examples to explore Concrete situations since last session: ______ 5. Working agenda (client-led, flexible) - ______ - ______ 6. Decisions & commitments to capture Next actions: ______ Owner: ______ By when: ______
When to use it
Use it in the five to ten minutes before a session, or at the end of the previous session while context is fresh. It suits one-to-one coaching across most niches; adapt the wording for team or group work.
How to use it
Fill the top block from your notes, then skim the client’s last commitments before writing the desired outcome. Keep the agenda short and client-led: two or three items is usually enough. The point is to arrive present and oriented, not to script the conversation.
Example
Desired outcome: "Decide whether to take the team-lead role." Progress since last session: committed to two informational chats; had one. Blocker: fear of letting current team down. Evidence to explore: how the one chat actually felt. Agenda: revisit the decision criteria; name the real fear. Decision to capture: book the second chat by Friday (owner: client).
Mistakes to avoid
Turning the agenda into a fixed script the client cannot move. Preparing your advice instead of your questions. Skipping the "progress since last session" line, which is where accountability quietly lives. Writing so much that you stop listening.
Adapt it
For team coaching, add a "stakeholders affected" line. For skills coaching, add "what we will practise". For longer engagements, add "link to the overall goal" so each session connects to the arc, not just the week.
How this works inside Exantur
If you run your practice in Exantur, the same structure lives next to the client: last session’s notes, open accountability items and goals are already on the record, so preparation is reading rather than reconstructing. This is optional; the template stands on its own.
Frequently asked questions
- How long should preparation take?
- A few minutes. If it takes longer, you are probably scripting the session rather than orienting yourself; trim the agenda.
- Is this stored anywhere?
- No. This page is a template you copy, print or adapt. Nothing you type on it is sent or saved.
- Does it work for group coaching?
- Yes, with small edits: add stakeholders and shared commitments, and keep the agenda to the group’s shared outcome.
Related
Session prep that reads itself
In Exantur last session’s notes, goals and commitments sit next to the client.