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Why
have a Coaching Contract
This is the most important legal instrument for a coach and
serves two purposes. Firstly it sets the ground rules for the
coaching relationship so that both parties know their obligations.
Secondly, it keeps the liabilities of the coach to an absolute
minimum. A simple legal agreement gives both parties peace of
mind and, in the event that the client is unhappy, offers the
coach protection.
Many coaches, like other freelance providers, do not establish
the relationship on a business level, believing it to be unnecessary
or that it may give an overly formal impression. Turning this
view on its head, a contract demonstrates that you are a professional
and that also applies to the coaching relationship. This can
assist in keeping a professional objectivity in what can, at
times, become quite an intimate situation.
In addition, if you give the client any materials that you have
designed yourself, you can set out the rules pertaining to copyright.
This may seem a small point but you could lose money if your
materials are freely distributed to all and sundry by your clients.
Apart from that, you risk l osing competitive edge should another
coach use your material.
What should a coaching contract include?
The contract should set out the schedule for coaching sessions,
costs including any 'extras' or expenses and, most importantly,
payment terms. Whether working with business or personal clients,
you still need to establish that the services you offer are
chargeable. It is much easier to extract money from a difficult
client if you have a written agreement detailing what is charged
and what is 'included' and it minimises the embarrassment of
resolving misunderstandings over money matters.
Coaching promotes the idea of being proactive so, practice what
you preach and ensure that you both parties sign a contract
before commencing the coaching programme.
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