Pre / During / After: Coaching Conversation Checklist

Before (5 minutes)

• Pick a clear purpose for the conversation (problem, development, decision).
• Note one or two open questions you’ll ask.
• Decide the minimum acceptable outcome (e.g., a named action with a date).

During

• Open with intent and permission: invite the person to explore.
• Listen to understand—avoid immediate advice. Use the three-second pause.
• Ask one question at a time; follow up with curiosity about reasoning and constraints.
• When offering input, frame it as an option: “One idea is… what do you think?”
• End with a specific, owned next step, a measure of success, and an agreed check-in.

After (5 minutes)

• Quick note: capture the agreed action, measure, and follow-up date.
• Offer a brief supportive resource if helpful (example, contact, template).
• Reflect: one thing you did well and one thing to try next conversation.