Create an action plan

Small goals, such as fixing a spreadsheet error, can be achieved with on-the-spot coaching and don't require an action plan. But larger goals—such as helping an employee master a skill needed for a new role—require a plan. An action plan is most effective if proposed by the coachee.

Components of a Coaching Action Plan

Action Plan Component	Example
Statement of the performance problem or skills gap	Priya routinely interrupts others during meetings.
Statement of goals	To learn how to allow others to express their views.
Actions to be taken/Measures of success	1. Refrain from interrupting others during meetings/Measured by no interruptions observed during two successive meetings. 2. Listen carefully to others' views; respond with questions, not speeches/Measured by number of follow-up questions asked.
Timetable	Action #1 progress reviewed by February 15; Action #2, by April 15.
Coach's role	Coach will comment on progress after each meeting.