Most coaching begins with an initial intake appointment of two to three hours in which the coach and player design an alliance. Momentum and focus are maintained with weekly half-hour appointments. The player determines the agenda for the weekly session. Many of the players I work with come to their weekly call with written notes that may include what they want to check in on, what they want to be held accountable for, and what they want to explore. Most coaching is conducted over the telephone, so it is well suited to professionals' busy lives.
Some coaches also use e-mail or fax, and some work in person.
Often the coach doesn't live in the same community or even the same country as the player. To many, this is seen as an advantage. It puts the coach well outside the system within which the player lives and works, and provides a sense of distance, objectivity and perspective. Designing the alliance The coach and player work together to design an alliance. They define structures that will support the player as he or she moves toward a goal.