A Coaching Tool is often as simple as typing a few pre-determined questions or a checklist onto a bit of paper and then calling it a readymade coaching course Tool. But if you're going to produce something - why don't you get it done well? People are busy and the more attractive and professional you make your Coaching Tool the more inspired your clients will be, and the more professional and polished you will look.

It could take time to create a quality coaching tool but you'll be repaid a hundredfold as you use and reuse your coaching tool in sessions, as homework, in welcome packs, as a workshop handout and in prospect meetings - whether with corporate or individual clients. What people like is fun and easy tools to perform: Something quick, colourful and with immediate impact. The coaching tool could help them identify blocks, patterns or develop actions or new ideas. But ultimately the tool should empower them, and leave them feeling better about themselves.

So, how will you begin creating your own personal Coaching Tools? Well, it's not as difficult as you might think - it really takes some time and thought.

Here Are 10 Simple Steps to Create Your Own Fabulous Coaching Exercises:

STEP 1 - Brainstorm and make a list of ideas

Take the time to ponder coaching questions, exercises and homework that you regularly give your clients. What comes up repeatedly for your clients? Where do you will find you repeat yourself? What is common across all of your clients?

Tip: In addition to asking questions you may consider sharing a 'model' or means of taking a look at themselves, their situation or the world.

STEP 2 - Pick an idea and write out your instructions

Pick one of the ideas you've brainstormed, one that excites or grabs you, and write out your instructions in a document. Give it a functional title at the top of the page (we'll return to the title in a minute).

Tip: The goal is for the completed tool fit using one page, so a great rule of thumb is that the first instructions should use up no several fifth of the page - or a few lines.

STEP 3 - Review for clarity

Once you've finished, check the structure, sequence and wording to ensure it flows well. Then re-read it as you were a consumer who knows nothing about coaching. Would you understand what's being asked of you? Does it clearly and concisely spell out what they have to do?

STEP 4 - Add a client-identified action or learning

Make sure you wind up the exercise with the client noting a minumum of one specific action or learning - because that is where you empower the client and make sure they get a concrete result. This is often as brief or as detailed as you would like.

Tip: You may want the client to truly have a specific action and date by when they'll complete it, or perhaps you'll simply ask, "What've you learned?" or "What'll I actually do differently consequently of this exercise?"

STEP 5 - Create a typical page layout

Now go back over your tool and produce a simple, professional and attractive page layout for your instructions and questions. Ensure there is sufficient of space for your client to publish their responses. I suggest you use.

Tip: Don't be concerned about giving plenty of space to perform their answers - people can always write on the other side of your exercise if they've more to say. It's more important that the Coaching Tool fits onto one bit of paper.

STEP 6 - Add color and graphics

Add color (eg. your bullets, numbering or sub-titles could possibly be colored text). Then select a meaningful graphic - character or photo - and add this to the very best left of your page before your title.

Tip: Ensure the image you pick is professional, relevant and befitting your audience.

STEP 7 - Give your Coaching Tool a jazzy title.

Pick an inspiring term for your coaching exercise. Consider what they're learning or how they will take advantage of completing your tool. Are they learning the art of self-care, setting meaningful goals, will they be managing their time better? How will they vary once they've completed your coaching tool? Now replace your working title at the top of the page ensuring the font size is larger compared to remaining portion of the document.

Tip: Don't be afraid to use jazzy or slightly flashy words in your Coaching Tool title. You wish to use words with impact. Ask yourself whether you're more thinking about completing "Relationship Review" or "Detox Your Relationships."

STEP 8 - Add your contact details and logo

Add your contact details and logo to your Coaching Tool for one last little professional polish. I recommend you add your logo to the very best right of the document header (at the top of the page).

Next, add your website and/or email and/or contact number in accordance with your preferences to the document footer (at underneath of the page).

Finally, if you created the tool from your own personal original thoughts or feel you've added significant value to someone else's ideas add the copyright symbol, the season and your company name.

Tip: This really is essential if you're working with a prospect, in a meeting or presenting a workshop because it indicates folks have your contact details. Not just that, in case a client shares the tool with a friend or colleague - they ALSO have your contact information. Now that's excellent marketing.

STEP 9 - Final checks and naming

Check your final formatting and layout - and that it still all fits using one page. Now keep your tool with the same meaningful name as your title and you're good to go.

Tip: It's good to see the 'whole page' first - to obtain an breakdown of how it looks.

STEP 10 - Test.

Finally, test the tool - first on yourself. When it helps you, with all of your existing knowledge and expertise then you're onto something.

Then, test on at the very least 2-3 others - friends, partners, colleagues.

Tip: Some questions to ask, "Achieved it allow you to - yes or no?", "What's missing? How could it be improved?", "The thing that was most potent for you personally?", "Did you spot any spelling or grammatical errors?" and "Achieved it sound right to you - were the instructions clear?"

Once you've got feedback from your own 'testers' and made adjustments accordingly - you're ready to use your fabulous Coaching Tool. So, the next time a relevant situation comes up - whether in session, for homework, in a workshop or meeting, simply whip out your Coaching Tool and help your clients get to work.

Emma-Louise Elsey may be the CEO of Simplicity Life Coaching Ltd. and The Coaching Tools Company.com. She's an avowed Life Coach, NLP practitioner and recovering perfectionist who loves creating coaching tools, writing and over time has worked with many successful professionals and business owners.

Free Coaching Tools: So, if you're curious, there are Free Coaching Tools and templates for you personally at The Coaching Tools Company.com. There's a free of charge Wheel of Life, Coach Question Sheets to obtain clients unstuck, set extraordinary goals along with business templates for new coaches and seminar organization - and we add more Coaching Tools readymade coaching course and free resources on a monthly basis!