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In JJC’s “Coaching is an Art” program (aka ‘Leader-as-Coach’), we guide leaders to develop strong coaching skills. Over nine months, participants learn to successfully and sustainably apply the most important coaching skills in their workplace. One skill we make sure every participant masters is ‘contracting’. ‘Contracting’ is a crucial part of every coaching conversation. Indeed, one past participant told me: “Julie, I find that with just about any conversation (coaching or not), when I don’t contract, it just doesn’t go as well!”
What differentiates ‘contracting’ in a coaching relationship from typical contracts is that it is dynamic. A coach ‘contracts’ with their coachee – and recontracts as often as necessary – in order to enter into agreement about logistics, goals, and subject-matter. How often shall we meet? What are your coaching goals? What would you like to discuss today? ‘Contracting’ occurs at the start of the coaching relationship, and it occurs at the start of each coaching session. Yet ‘contracting’ also occurs during coaching conversations. We call this ‘contracting in the moment’.
So, what is ‘contracting in the moment’? Simply put, it’s a technique where the coach and coachee agree on the direction of their conversation as it unfolds. This ensures that both parties are aligned and ready to move forward together. Here are some practical examples of how you can use contracting in your coaching sessions:
By asking these questions, you are ‘contracting in the moment’, so that you can smoothly navigate potential shifts in the conversation. ‘Contracting’ ensures that both you and your coachee are on the same page, ready and willing to focus on the next topic. This approach not only keeps the conversation productive, but also empowers the coachee to take an active role in their development.
Remember, the goal of ‘contracting’ is to create a collaborative and supportive environment. By incorporating ‘contracting in the moment’ into your coaching conversations, you can enhance the effectiveness of your sessions and foster a stronger connection with your coachee.
Happy coaching!
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The Leader as Coach Program
Develop a Coaching Leadership Style in 9 Months
Gain the skills to lead with trust, inspire ownership, and drive performance—while building a stronger, more accountable team.
What if the key to unlocking higher performance in your team isn't more direction—but better questions?
Many senior leaders today feel stretched thin—not because their team isn’t capable, but because they’re still the go-to for answers. That’s where a shift in leadership style can make all the difference.
In JJC's Coaching is an Art (CIAA) Leader as Coach Program,
One CHRO from the Consumer Electronics Industry shared,
“The biggest shift is having moved from being an advisor to empowering others to solve immediate challenges themselves through partnership and collaboration.”
A Chief People Officer in the Digital Transformation Industry, noted,
“I am now less directive and more supportive, resulting in colleagues developing their own ideas and solutions… contributing to strategic goals and business results.”
JJC's Leader as Coach Program is designed for senior leaders, HR executives, and talent professionals who are ready to lead differently—by building a coaching mindset and presence that empowers others to think, act, and lead.
If you’ve ever found yourself thinking…
“Why am I still solving everyone’s problems?”
“How can I get more ownership from my team?”
“What would it take to lead with more impact—without doing more?”
…then this program might be what you’ve been waiting for.
The waiting list for the next cohort is now open.
If you're curious, email us at info@julie-johnson-consulting.com and we’d be happy to share more details.
