One thing puts people off coaching more than anything else: they don't know what to expect. Attending a session where you don't know what will happen is unpleasant. Especially for people who are used to having things under control, and that's exactly the kind of people who come to me most often.
That is why I am writing here exactly what my first session looks like. Minute by minute.
Course of the first session (60-90 minutes)
We start on a human level, not a formal one. Coffee or water, a few minutes of chat. My aim is for you to feel at ease: not like you're in a job interview.
I ask you what brought you here. I listen without interruption. I do not offer advice, make no judgements and do not rush to a solution. This part is key, understanding your starting point.
I ask questions that lead you deeper. Not to put you on the spot, but so you can discover things you didn't know you knew. This is where the essential work happens.
We will define what you want to work on. What does it look like when it is working? How do we know we have reached the goal? I will explain how the collaboration proceeds and what we expect from each other.
How are you feeling? What was interesting or surprising for you? And most importantly: do you want to continue? No pressure: the decision is yours.
What is expected of you
Coaching is a partnership. It's not about arriving, sitting down and having the coach solve your problems. Your task is:
- Come with an open mind - without needing to have answers prepared
- To speak frankly - even about matters that seem awkward or unclear
- Do not wait for advice - The coach asks, does not dictate.
- Be willing to be uncomfortably close to the truth - The most valuable comes from places we do not wish to visit ourselves.
What you do not need to do
I will relieve you of unnecessary worries:
- You don't need a clear goal: just the feeling that something isn't working or that you want more.
- No preparation needed: just come as you are.
- You don't have to be open 100% right away: trust is built gradually.
- You do not need to proceed: the first session is non-binding.
Online or in person?
I work both ways. In person in Prague, or online via video call. Experience shows the effectiveness is comparable. It depends more on your preference and working style.
Many of my clients from the IT sector prefer online communication. It is flexible, saves travel time and lowers the barrier to initial contact. If you prefer a personal meeting, we can arrange that.
What happens after the meeting
If we decide to collaborate, we will set the frequency (usually once every 2 weeks) and a specific goal for the cooperation. You will receive a brief summary of the session and possibly a small "homework assignment": not a mandatory test, but a prompt for reflection or action that helps move things forward.
I was nervous before the first meeting. It seemed strange to pay for a conversation. After 90 minutes, I knew more about my priorities than after a year of thinking it through myself.": client, CTO of a startup
Would you like to know what it looks like at your place?
Free 30-minute consultation. No obligations, no sales pitch.
Schedule the first appointment