Many times my executive coaching clients express frustration because others do not meet their expectations. When you set clear agreements at the beginning of a project or new work relationship, you can avoid pitfalls and misunderstandings. Here are some questions to help you set clear agreements in an effective and collaborative “coach approach” manner.
What? – establish the course of action
- What do we want to achieve?
- What is the scope?
- What are the expectations that I have of you and you have of me?
- What does success look like and how will it be measured?
- What is the current status?
- What are the future steps?
Why? – verify the reason
- Why is this important?
- What is the fundamental purpose?
- Who will it affect most if we succeed? If we fail?
- What are the consequences of doing nothing?
When? – agree upon the timeline
- When do we start?
- What is the deadline?
- What are the significant milestones?
Who? – decide responsibilities
- Who will be responsible for what?
- Who will follow up with whom?
- Who else needs to know?
How? – determine the method
- What will our processes be?
- What do we expect in terms of quality and standards of excellence?
- How and when do we communicate?
- How will we address conflict should it arise?
- How will we celebrate success?
Try the What? Why? When? Who? and How? method to set clear agreements and get better results.
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Pam Solberg-Tapper MHSA, PCC – I spark entrepreneurial business leaders to set strategy, take action, and get results. How can I help you? Contact me at Pam@coachforsuccess.com ~ www.coachforsuccess.com ~ Linkedin ~ 218-340-3330
Chuck Appleby of Appleby & Associates is a leadership and organization development consultant with over 30 years of management, consulting, and coaching experience. 
Carter McNamara of Authenticity Consulting, LLC, has decades of experience providing group coaching and Action Learning around the world.
Pam Solberg-Tapper is a highly experienced Professional Certified Coach. Her company, Coach for Success, designs, implements and coaches in a variety of leadership and executive programs.