Post a rough draft of your coaching agreement to the discussion thread. Comment on at least two of your peers regarding their coaching agreement. Provide feedback that includes strengths and challenge

In your own words, describe the key elements you believe are important to have in a coaching agreement.

Many fundamentals are essential. However I could not have an agreement without the following elements; coach-client relationship, services, fees, confidentiality, termination policies, and the limited liabilities being addressed.

Defining the relationship is ideal before any coach agrees to work with a client, they should have a clear understanding of the wants and needs of the client, and the client will have a clear understanding of the coaching-client relationship. Also, the relationship boundaries will be layout in this section for both parties.

The services rendered are essential because the coach will address how he/she will provide services that are tailored to the coaching strategy and agreed on the availability of both parties. It is important the agreement contains, in detail, the services you are providing and some of those you are not providing and what the client is expected to contribute in return, like time and client fees.

Clients need to understand what is confidential and what is not. Simply put, the coaching relationship, as well as all information, documented in writing or verbally, that the client shares with the coach as part of this relationship, is bound by the principles of confidentiality set forth how agreed upon between the two parties and by what policies the coach lines out. I would recommend mentioning and attaching the ICF Code of Ethics.

Termination policies also a vital element. Every contract needs an out. Decide when the agreement terminates. It can be recurring monthly, but that needs to be clear. If it is a year from now, say that as well. Furthermore, the grounds for termination need to be established? The clearer you can be here the better, so you protect yourself if the relationship is not working out for whatever reason.

Lastly, limited liabilities are a must. In this section of your agreement you will need to be very specific, for example, “the coach makes no guarantees, representations or warranties of any kind or nature, express or implied concerning the coaching services negotiated, agreed upon and rendered. In no event shall the coach be liable to the client for any indirect, consequential or special damages.” I would address every area of the agreement previously mentioned and get feedback from legal for changes needed to be made; so the coach and the client are fairly and legally covered.