If you should make a ranking of the top, let´s say three (or four, or five – you choose) elements that help ensure a good start into a coaching process. What would you say?
For me it´s hardly possible to identify a ranking (and for sure it´s impossible to make a ranking for others, so the following is just my opinion) but what I can do is list some key elements I´m looking and working for as a coach:

The Coach – Client Relationship
The relationship between a coach and a client – undoubtedly important. And for sure almost everyone would mention this as one of the most important elements. Me too. A good and professional relationship constitutes a secure and strong basis. So working on the relationship right from the start can´t be wrong.

What Coaching can do..
A common understanding of what coaching can do and absolutely can´t do.
I haven´t read this one very often in coaching literature but for me this is a vital starting point. So I usually spend some time to talk about coaching in general before the show really starts. Lifting the mists and see clear what could be done, eliminating unrealistic expectations. This leads me straight to..

Goals
Oh no, not again this SMART thing and hundreds of other concepts. I´ll spare us being smart for now (except I´ll get tons of messages about what SMART goals are.. please, don´t write!!).
The thing about identifying and setting up goals is that it takes time. So give it the time it needs, be clear and straight about it and at the same time have the will to go in circles and back and forth with your client if needs be. Don´t stress your client but keep your focus on getting one or more beautifully clear, motivating and reachable goals (BCMR Goals – just invented it).

The clients commitment
This is what I´m trying to get a feeling for right from the start – how strong is the clients commitment? Does he really want to reach his goals? As a coach I´m not here to work on motivation (at least that´s my view on coaching) but to help my client reach his goals. The more intrinsic motivation, the better.

Back to the ranking – I can´t decide what´s the most important, can you?
Let me know what´s important for you as a coach or client!