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How to make shorter coaching sessions work!

Short coaching sessions drive focus, clarity, and consistency for lasting impact.

March 9, 2025

Ever stood outside a meeting room, knowing you should use a coaching approach but thinking "I only have 15 minutes - that's not enough time"? I've been there, and I've seen many leaders default to giving directions instead of coaching when (they think that) time is tight.

Here's a mindset shift: Short timeframes aren't necessarily limitations - they're actually powerful tools for focused coaching. When we only have 10 or 15 minutes, it forces both parties to get crystal clear on what matters most. No meandering conversations, just laser-focused development. Put simply, just because you have more time, does not make it better automatically either!

My recommendation to make short coaching work? Try this simple approach:

• Start with "What's the one specific thing you want to achieve in our 15min together?"

• Keep the focus tight and specific

• Ask for concrete next steps that can be implemented right away

Regular 10-minute coaching check-ins every two weeks can create more impact than hour-long sessions every quarter or 6 months. It plays to the strength of coaching being a continuous conversation. It's more about consistency, not duration. Think of it as micro-doses of development that add up over time.

🎧 Want to dive deeper? I just released a new podcast episode on this very topic! I'll share even more about how to structure these shorter conversations for impact.

https://www.intellicoach.com/ep110/

Would love to hear how these shorter coaching moments work for you!