2-hour Conversation: Discovery Coaching Session vs. Exploratory User Interview
Last week, I facilitated my first 2-hour Discovery Coaching Session with a peer client at inviteCHANGE. I was pleasantly surprised by how the session’s length allowed for an open-ended yet result-oriented conversation.
Though not new to in-depth 1-on-1 conversations — having often led semi-structured interviews in UX research — I discovered a unique depth in coaching. I’ve always been captivated by exploring personal values and beliefs in user interviews, revealing what truly matters to people and what drives their decisions. Reflecting on this, I realize I’ve consistently trusted my audience’s capacity, resourcefulness, and creativity.
In coaching, this trust naturally extends to uncovering what’s most important to clients and noticing what’s left unsaid. Unlike task-oriented user interviews, coaching delves deeper into aligning values, actions, and beliefs.
Where the Discovery Session Fits in the Generative Coaching Process:
- Free Initial Call → Coaching Agreement → Pre-Coaching Work → 2-hour Discovery Session → 4–8 Coaching Sessions
Purpose of the Discovery Session:
- Build Rapport: Deepen our understanding of each other and ensure strong chemistry.
- Explore Partnership: Discuss how we can effectively collaborate moving forward.
- Draft Coaching Development Plan: Create an initial outline for the coaching development plan, including long-term aspirations, current challenges, strengths, areas for development, specific coaching goals, actionable plans, and measurable outcomes.
Coaching Discovery Session v.s. Exploratory User Interview: A Quick Comparison
Goals:
- User Interviews aim to gather insights on user behavior, needs, and preferences to inform design and product decisions.
- Discovery Coaching Sessions focus on exploring the client’s values, goals, and challenges to guide their personal or professional growth.
Structure:
- User Interviews follow a semi-structured format with a set agenda, often moving through predefined topics to ensure comprehensive coverage.
- Discovery Coaching Sessions are more fluid, allowing space for the client to steer the conversation while the coach supports and deepens the exploration.
Results:
- User Interviews result in actionable insights for product development or strategy.
- Discovery Coaching Sessions lead to heightened self-awareness, clarity, and alignment with personal or professional goals.
Reflecting on my experience, I see how both UX research and generative coaching serve as powerful tools for understanding and supporting people, albeit in different ways. While user interviews offer actionable insights for design, coaching dives into the deeper layers of personal values and growth. Each approach enriches the other, strengthening my ability to connect with and guide others, whether in designing meaningful experiences or supporting personal transformation.
As I continue my journey in both fields, I’m excited to see how these insights will further evolve and shape my approach, ultimately helping me make a more meaningful impact.
2024 Autumn Invitation: Join Me for a Coaching Partnership
If you’re interested in a 6–12 session long-term coaching relationship with a seasoned design researcher, expressive art facilitator, and working parent of two young children, I’d love to connect with you. I’m looking for four individuals who resonate with my creative approach and where I believe I can provide the most meaningful support.
This will be a collaborative coaching journey, and I’m offering this opportunity in three packages: Try, Trade, and Unlock. If you think we could be a great fit, let’s explore the possibility of working together to achieve your aspirations.
Details of my Exclusive Autumn Services for 2024 are below:
Autumn 2024 Invitation: Generative Coaching with Tian Cai
Schedule a 30-minute Chemistry Call here: https://shorturl.at/xNXbi
Thank you for reading this short lesson. I’m keen to learn from your wisdom and suggestions on the following:
How did you navigate your last 2-hour 1-on-1 conversation? What’s your favorite takeaway from my visual notes and insight summary? What would you like to see more or less of? Other suggestions?
Wednesday Wondering:
Every week, I share the most wondering thing I’ve learned about Self-Knowledge. Drawing from my generative coaching notes, insights from user research, and my passion as a meditative art facilitator, I’ll share short lessons that help me rediscover joyful purposes in life and work. With a beginner’s mind, join me on the tide of coaching together.
Resources and References:
- inviteCHANGE: An organization dedicated to empowering individuals and organizations to live authentically, align with their values, and cultivate prosperity.
