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Join Session 2 on Thursday April 9 for $9. Session runs for 90 min starting 4.00pm SAST GMT+2
90-Minute Lesson Plan: Contracting (Macro & Micro) – ICF Aligned
Learning Outcomes
By the end, participants will:
Understand what contracting is and why it matters
Distinguish macro vs micro contracting
Apply ICF contracting competency in real conversations
Conduct a clean micro contract in under 3 minutes
Use a structured macro contract template
Q: What does Client Centered Mean in The Context of Contracting?
Client-centred in the context of contracting means:
The client defines what the coaching is about, what success looks like, and what matters — not the coach.
It’s a core expectation from International Coaching Federation under “Establishes and Maintains Agreements” and “Embodies a Coaching Mindset.”
Plain English Definition
Client-centred contracting =
The client owns the agenda, the outcome, and the meaning of success. The coach facilitates clarity.
What It Looks Like in Practice
1. The Client Sets the Topic
Client-centred:
“I want to figure out how to handle my boss”
Not client-centred:
“Let’s focus on your communication skills today”
The coach does not decide the direction
2. The Client Defines the Outcome
Client-centred:
“I want to leave with a clear plan for that conversation”
Not client-centred:
“Let’s aim to improve your confidence”
Outcome must be personally meaningful to the client, not generic
3. The Client Defines Success
Client-centred:
“If I feel clear and less stressed, this will be useful”
Not client-centred:
“We’ll know this worked if you have 3 action steps”
Success is subjective and owned by the client
4. The Coach Uses Neutral, Non-Leading Questions
Client-centred questions:
“What would you like to focus on?”
“What would make this session valuable?”
“What’s important about this for you?”
NOT client-centred:
“Do you want to work on your time management?”
“Should we look at your goals?”
Even subtle suggestions = shifting control away from the client
Key Principle
The moment the coach suggests the topic, outcome, or direction — it stops being client-centred
How It Shows Up in Macro vs Micro Contracting
Macro (Big Picture)
Client-centred means:
Goals are defined by the client (not imposed)
Coaching purpose aligns to what the client wants
Client agrees to how they want to be supported
Micro (Session Level)
Client-centred means:
Every session starts with:
Client topic
Client outcome
Client success criteria
Quick Comparison
Coach-Led
Client-Centred
“Let’s work on…”
“What would you like to focus on?”
Generic goals
Personal, meaningful outcomes
Coach defines success
Client defines success
Direction imposed
Direction emerges
Common Mistakes (Very Important)
1. Disguised Leading
“What would you like to focus on… maybe your workload?”
Still coach-led
2. Accepting Vague Answers
Client: “I just want clarity”
Weak coach: moves on
Strong coach:
“What kind of clarity specifically?”
3. Rushing Contracting
Leads to:
Shallow sessions
Advice-giving
No measurable outcome
Simple Test You Can Use
Ask yourself:
“Did the client clearly define what success looks like in their own words?”
If no → it’s not client-centred.
One-Line Summary
Client-centred contracting is:
Letting the client set the destination, while you manage the process.
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0–10 min — Opening: Why Contracting Matters
Objective:
Create urgency and relevance
Ask:
“What happens when a coaching session has no clear agreement?”
Capture:
Rambling conversations
Advice-giving
No outcomes
Client dissatisfaction
Teaching Point:
Contracting = structure + clarity + accountability
10–25 min — ICF Contracting Explained
ICF Core Competency:
International Coaching Federation
“Establishes and Maintains Agreements”
What Contracting Actually Is:
A mutual agreement on:
What we are doing
How we will do it
What success looks like
What Contracting is NOT:
Admin only
Legal paperwork only
A once-off activity
Key Principle:
“No contract = no coaching, just conversation”
25–40 min — Macro vs Micro Contracting
Macro Contracting (Big Picture)
When:
Before coaching starts
Covers:
Purpose of coaching
Roles (coach vs client)
Confidentiality
Boundaries
Logistics (time, fees, duration)
Accountability
Micro Contracting (Session Level)
When:
At the start of EVERY session
Covers:
Session focus
Desired outcome
Measures of success
Comparison Table:
Macro
Micro
Whole journey
One session
Formal
Conversational
Broad goals
Specific focus
Done once
Done every session
Teaching Point:
Macro sets the container
Micro sets the direction
40–55 min — Micro Contracting Deep Dive
The 3-Part Micro Contract
Topic
“What would you like to focus on?”
Outcome
“What do you want to achieve?”
Success Measure
“What would make this session valuable?”
Strong vs Weak Examples
Weak:
“So what’s up today?”
“Let’s just chat”
Strong:
“What specifically do you want to walk away with today?”
“How will you know this was useful?”
Common Mistakes:
Accepting vague answers
Leading the topic
Skipping success criteria
55–70 min — Micro Contract Practice
Exercise (Pairs):
5 minutes per round
Only do contracting (no coaching)
Coach must:
Clarify topic
Define outcome
Confirm success measure
Observer Checklist:
Was outcome specific?
Did coach avoid leading?
Was success measurable?
70–80 min — Macro Contract Breakdown
Walk through the structure (below template)
Emphasize:
Clarity reduces conflict
Boundaries increase trust
Ownership stays with client
80–88 min — Rapid Practice (Integration)
Activity:
1 full micro contract (2–3 mins)
Immediate feedback
88–90 min — Wrap-Up
Key Takeaways:
Contracting = foundation of coaching
Micro contracting = most underused skill
Clarity upfront saves time later
MODEL MACRO COACHING CONTRACT (ICF-ALIGNED)
Coaching Agreement
1. Purpose of Coaching
Coaching is a collaborative, client-driven process designed to support the client in achieving personal and/or professional goals, increasing self-awareness, and taking effective action.
2. Roles & Responsibilities
Coach:
Facilitates thinking through questions and reflection
Maintains confidentiality
Does not provide advice, therapy, or consulting unless explicitly agreed
Client:
Is responsible for their own decisions and actions
Comes prepared and engaged
Owns outcomes and progress
3. Confidentiality
All coaching conversations are confidential unless:
Required by law
There is risk of harm to the client or others
4. Coaching Process
Sessions will be conducted (weekly/bi-weekly/monthly)
Each session will last (e.g., 60 minutes)
Sessions will begin with a clear focus (micro contract)
5. Duration of Engagement
Coaching engagement will run for (e.g., 3–6 months)
Progress will be reviewed periodically
6. Fees & Payment (if applicable)
Fee per session/package: ______
Payment terms: ______
7. Cancellation Policy
Minimum notice required: ______ (e.g., 24 hours)
Late cancellations may be charged
8. Boundaries
Coaching is not therapy, mentoring, or consulting
Coach does not diagnose or treat mental health conditions
9. Accountability
Client agrees to take action between sessions
Coach may check in on commitments
10. Agreement
By engaging in coaching, both parties agree to the terms above.
Client Name: ______
Coach Name: ______
Date: ______
Trainer Notes (Important)
Push participants to:
Get specific outcomes
Avoid vague language
Stop them when they:
Drift into coaching before contracting is clear
Reinforce:
“If the outcome is unclear, keep contracting”
Here’s a practical, certification-ready assessment rubric for Contracting (Macro & Micro) aligned to International Coaching Federation competencies.
This is designed so you can:
Assess beginner → advanced coaches
Use it in live sessions, recordings, or exams
Tie directly to ICF PCC-level expectations
ICF Contracting Assessment Rubric (Macro & Micro)
How to Use
Score each category 1–5
Use for:
Observed coaching sessions
Peer reviews
Certification assessments
Scoring Scale (Applies to All Criteria)
Score
Level
Description
1
Poor
No evidence / ineffective
2
Basic
Inconsistent / unclear
3
Competent
Adequate / functional
4
Strong
Clear / client-centered
5
Mastery
Precise / natural / fully aligned with ICF
SECTION 1: MACRO CONTRACTING (Pre-Coaching Agreement)
1. Clarity of Coaching Purpose
Score
Indicators
1
No clear purpose stated
3
General purpose stated but vague
5
Clear, specific, client-centered purpose defined
2. Roles & Responsibilities Defined
Score
Indicators
1
Roles not discussed
3
Basic explanation (coach vs client)
5
Clear distinction; client ownership emphasized
3. Boundaries & Scope
Score
Indicators
1
No boundaries set
3
Some mention (e.g. not therapy)
5
Clear, confident boundaries with examples
4. Confidentiality Explained
Score
Indicators
1
Not addressed
3
Mentioned briefly
5
Clearly explained with exceptions
5. Logistics & Structure
Score
Indicators
1
No structure defined
3
Basic timing discussed
5
Full clarity (duration, frequency, expectations)
SECTION 2: MICRO CONTRACTING (Session Level)
6. Topic Clarity
Score
Indicators
1
No topic defined
3
Topic identified but broad
5
Specific, focused topic defined
7. Outcome Definition
Score
Indicators
1
No outcome
3
Vague outcome (“clarity”, “help”)
5
Clear, specific, meaningful outcome
8. Success Measures
Score
Indicators
1
Not defined
3
Implied but unclear
5
Explicit: “How will you know this worked?”
9. Client Ownership of Agenda
Score
Indicators
1
Coach leads topic
3
Shared control
5
Fully client-led; coach follows
10. Flexibility & Renegotiation
Score
Indicators
1
No adjustment if session drifts
3
Some awareness
5
Actively checks and re-contracts when needed
SECTION 3: COACHING PRESENCE IN CONTRACTING
11. Avoids Leading / Fixing
Score
Indicators
1
Suggests topics or solutions
3
Occasional leading
5
Fully neutral, curiosity-driven
12. Depth of Exploration During Contracting
Score
Indicators
1
Surface-level
3
Some probing
5
Goes deeper to clarify meaning and importance
13. Clarity & Simplicity
Score
Indicators
1
Confusing / wordy
3
Understandable
5
Clear, concise, powerful
14. Confidence & Presence
Score
Indicators
1
Hesitant / unsure
3
Adequate
5
Calm, confident, grounded
SECTION 4: OVERALL CONTRACTING QUALITY
15. Contract Drives the Session
Score
Indicators
1
Session drifts aimlessly
3
Some alignment
5
Strong alignment between contract and session outcome
16. Efficiency of Contracting
Score
Indicators
1
Too long or skipped
3
Acceptable timing
5
Clear contract within 2–3 minutes
SCORING SUMMARY
Total Score: /80
Range
Level
0–30
Not Competent
31–50
Developing
51–65
Competent (ACC Level)
66–75
Strong (PCC Level)
76–80
Mastery
Red Flags (Automatic Concern Areas)
No clear outcome defined
Coach sets the agenda
No success measure
Coaching begins before contract is clear
What PCC-Level Contracting Looks Like (ICF Standard)
At PCC level, the coach:
Contracts quickly and cleanly
Gets specific outcomes
Ensures client ownership
Uses contracting to deepen thinking (not just admin)
Pro Tip for Your Training
When assessing:
“If I stop the session after 3 minutes, is the direction crystal clear?”
If not → contracting is weak.
Yes — a limited liability clause is standard and recommended in a coaching contract.
It protects the coach by clearly stating:
The client is responsible for their own decisions and results
Coaching is not advice, therapy, or professional services
The coach is not liable for outcomes arising from client actions
This aligns with good practice under International Coaching Federation (clear boundaries, roles, and expectations).
What “Limited Liability” Means in Coaching
In plain English:
The coach supports thinking — but does not take responsibility for what the client chooses to do.
Why You NEED This Clause
Without it, you risk:
Clients blaming you for poor decisions
Legal exposure if outcomes go wrong
Confusion about your role (coach vs advisor/consultant/therapist)
Key Elements of a Strong Clause
A proper limited liability clause should cover:
1. Client Responsibility
Client owns decisions, actions, and results
2. No Guarantees
No promise of specific outcomes
3. Not Professional Advice
Coaching ≠ legal, financial, medical, or psychological advice
4. Liability Cap / Exclusion
Limits financial/legal responsibility
MODEL LIMITED LIABILITY CLAUSE (Use This)
You can insert this directly into your macro contract:
Limited Liability
The Client acknowledges that coaching is a collaborative, non-directive process designed to support personal and/or professional development. The Coach does not provide advice, therapy, counselling, or consulting services.
The Client agrees that they are fully responsible for their own decisions, actions, and results arising from the coaching relationship. The Coach makes no guarantees regarding outcomes or results.
To the fullest extent permitted by law, the Coach shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages resulting from the coaching relationship or the Client’s use of the coaching services.
Optional (Stronger Version with Cap)
If you want more protection:
The Coach’s total liability for any claim arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall not exceed the total fees paid by the Client for the coaching services.
Important Notes (Don’t Skip)
1. This is NOT Legal Advice
Laws vary by country (especially in South Africa, UK, US, Australia)
Best practice: have a lawyer review your contract
2. You Cannot Waive Everything
Even with this clause, you cannot protect against:
Gross negligence
Fraud
Illegal conduct
3. Clarity > Complexity
Keep wording simple and understandable
Clients should clearly know what they’re agreeing to
Best Practice (Professional Setup)
A strong coaching agreement should include:
Limited liability clause
Confidentiality clause
Scope & boundaries
Cancellation policy
Payment terms
One-Line Summary
A limited liability clause ensures the client owns their outcomes — and protects you from being held responsible for them.
MCC-Level Micro Contracting Questions (By Stage)
1. Opening the Session (Direction Setting)
These establish client ownership immediately.
“What feels most important for us to focus on today?”
“What would you like to walk away with by the end of this session?”
“What’s the real challenge you want to work through today?”
“If this session were truly valuable, what would be different for you?”
MCC nuance:
Clean, simple, no leading
Lets the client choose what matters
2. Deepening the Topic (Sharpening Focus)
These move from broad → specific.
5. “What specifically about this do you want to explore?”
6. “Which part of this matters most right now?”
7. “What’s at the heart of this for you?”
8. “If we narrowed this down, where would you want to focus?”
MCC nuance:
Cuts through surface-level answers
Helps avoid vague sessions
3. Defining Outcome (Clarity & Precision)
These ensure the session has a clear destination.
9. “What outcome would feel meaningful for you today?”
10. “At the end of this conversation, what do you want to have clarity on?”
11. “What do you want to leave with — specifically?”
12. “How would you describe success for this session?”
MCC nuance:
Outcome must be client-defined and meaningful
Not generic (“clarity”, “help”)
4. Establishing Success Measures (Accountability)
These make success observable or felt.
13. “How will you know this session has been useful?”
14. “What will be different for you if we achieve that?”
15. “What would tell you this was time well spent?”
MCC nuance:
Moves from idea → evidence of value
5. Checking Alignment (Contract Confirmation)
These ensure coach and client are aligned before proceeding.
16. “Let me check — you want to focus on X and leave with Y. Is that right?”
17. “Is there anything else we need to include to make this worthwhile for you?”
MCC nuance:
Reflects back client language
Avoids assumption
6. Renegotiating Mid-Session (Advanced MCC Skill)
This is where MCC-level coaching stands out.
18. “We started with X — is that still where you want to focus, or is something else emerging?”
19. “Given what’s coming up now, would it be more valuable to shift the focus?”
MCC nuance:
Flexible, responsive
Follows the client, not the original plan
7. Closing the Loop (End-of-Session Contract Check)
Ensures the contract was fulfilled.
20. “To what extent did you get what you wanted from this session?”
What Makes These “MCC Level” (Important)
These questions are:
Clean (no coaching agenda hidden inside)
Non-leading
Client-language driven
Outcome-focused
Adaptive (not rigid)
Common Mistakes (Avoid These)
“Do you want to work on your goals today?” (leading)
“So the goal is confidence, right?” (imposing)
Skipping success measures
Locking the contract and never revisiting it
Pro Tip (This is MCC Thinking)
Contracting is not a step — it’s a thread through the whole conversation.
You are constantly:
Clarifying
Checking
Adjusting
Deepening
Simple Drill for Your Coaches
Force this constraint:
No coaching allowed until:
Topic is clear
Outcome is specific
Success is defined
One-Line Summary
MCC-level contracting = precision at the start, flexibility in the middle, and accountability at the end.
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