Common Coaching Queries for College Leadership
I’m often asked this question when I meet new coaching clients. My answer, which some find frustrating, is that it depends. The right number of sessions depends on your goals, your capacity to reflect and take action, your budget, and the level of support you need.
Do you need clarity on a specific management issue? Are you eager for a new challenge and looking to plan your next career move? How urgently do you need support? How much personal transformation are you hoping for?
Like any professional or personal development activity, coaching gives you back what you put into it. To get the most out of coaching, you need mental space to process new insights and take action. The coaching session itself may last an hour, but real progress happens between sessions as you reflect on what you’re learning and implement changes.
The Importance of Flexibility
While some coaches offer set packages, I prioritize flexibility to accommodate my clients’ busy schedules. Every educator I know is busy balancing personal and professional demands. Making the decision to invest in coaching takes determination. Because of this, I typically let clients decide how many sessions they want to start with. I also recognize that coaching is a financial investment that many need to plan for carefully.
Here are some examples of how clients approach their coaching engagements. Each example is based on real client experiences, with names and details changed for anonymity.
Example #1: Six Sessions Over Three Months
Carole wanted to explore her next career move. She was content in her current role but, after five years, was ready for a new intellectual challenge. Unsure whether to propose a new project, apply to a doctoral program, or seek a role at another institution, she set a goal to decide by the end of the spring semester. She scheduled six sessions every two weeks over three months, always on Tuesday nights when her partner was home. She also intentionally kept the following evening free of commitments so she could reflect on her insights after her kids went to bed.
Example #2: Four Sessions as Needed During the Semester
Penelope, a new academic dean, felt overwhelmed and wanted an external thought partner to help her navigate the challenges of her expanded role. She secured support from her college for the coaching engagement. Because of her unpredictable schedule, she committed to four sessions and scheduled them as needed when situations came up. To stay on track, she asked me to check in if more than three weeks passed without her booking a session.
Example #3: Three Sessions to Start
Kasey felt stuck and frustrated at work but wasn’t sure why. With little time to reflect and a tight personal budget, especially with three kids in college, she decided to start with three sessions, spaced three weeks apart. She chose not to seek financial support from her institution due to a lack of trust in her supervisor. After the initial three sessions, she took a few months to process what she had learned before scheduling three more.
It’s All About You
As you can see from these examples, coaching is a just-in-time, just-for-me growth opportunity. Whether you prefer a structured, ongoing schedule or checking in as needed, the important factor is that your coaching experience aligns with your goals and circumstances. Coaching is an investment in yourself and should work for you.
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