If there's an individual you need to coach, this 'Becoming a Coach' Skill-Pill will help you get off on the right foot. It will help you get in a 'coaching' frame of mind, and set out the characteristics of a successful session. For example, a useful rule is, as a coach, you shouldn't talk for more than 30% of the time. The rest of the time...you listen. Active listening is central to the right coaching mindset, which this pill can help you achieve.

Take this pill if: You want the skills and outlook to be a great coach.

If you want to get the best out of a coaching session, the COACH system can be really effective. The system works like this - 'Clarify' the topic, enquire about the desired 'Outcome', discover what's 'Actually' been happening and 'Create' options for approaching the issue. Finally, you should end the session by getting a 'Hard' copy of the agreed action points. The COACH method is a simple and effective coaching method.

Take this pill if: You want a simple guide for running coaching sessions.

For anybody to enter into the coaching process, they'll need to feel relaxed and secure. So careful planning is vital. There are a number of crucial details that you, as the coach, need to take care of, to ensure the session runs smoothly and both parties are comfortable. This Skill-Pill, to be taken right before a session, provides some great tips on the best place to hold the conversation, the optimum way to begin and how, ultimately, to produce an effective conversation.

Take this pill if: A coachee is waiting in your office.

Coaching isn't all plain sailing. Now and then, you'll meet choppy waters. The DROPS system can help you overcome any problem, and it's really easy to use. First, invite the individual to Describe the problem, discuss the Reasons behind it and create some Options. Encourage the coachee to list the Pros and cons of each option, then Select what to do. By sticking to this system, even a novice coach can handle tough problems.

Take this pill if: The coaching sessions have presented a tricky situation.