How do you help clients maintain accountability and follow through on their action plans between coaching sessions?

I find helping the client get clear on the "why" they want a change or specific goal is the top priority. If they don't have a clear why to inspire them and to reach for it can feel like an empty goal to reach or inspiration fades over time.  Often we find the "why" and all of their goals change. Then it's helping them commit to the next 3 steps, then the next 3 steps after that, and the next 3 steps after that.

To help clients maintain accountability and follow through on their action plans, I start by setting clear, realistic goals with deadlines during our sessions. For example, if a client’s goal is to launch a new business, we break it down into smaller tasks like finalizing a business plan, creating a website, and reaching out to potential clients, with specific deadlines for each. Between sessions, I encourage clients to track their progress and check in with me on key milestones—whether that’s sending me a weekly email update or setting up a quick midweek check-in. I also help them identify any potential roadblocks and work together to adjust their plans if necessary. For instance, if a client struggles with time management, we might tweak their schedule to make space for important tasks. Regular follow-ups and problem-solving help keep them on track and ensure they stay committed to their action plan, even when challenges arise.

The best way to do this is to

1. Assign action steps at the end of each session.  Write it all out or have the client repeat what they think the assignment is at the end of the session.  This way we are all on the same page.

2. Require homework. I think that putting expectations on the client improves the outcomes.

3. After each session send them the Fathom/Otter link so they can review their notes and listen to the session to get the most out of it.

I work with each individual to determine what is most beneficial for them. Some people say they don’t need any accountability—if they commit to doing something, they will follow through.

Some people prefer to reflect on the action steps they have taken at the beginning of the coaching session—what has gone well and what could be improved.

Some people like to share their progress with me between sessions (habit trackers, apps, email).

However, I always maintain a solution-focused attitude, free of criticism or judgment. I ensure that people take steps because they are meaningful to them, not just to “be a good client to a coach.”

Self-Leadership Coach

Elina Tiliba

I always end my sessions by asking if a client would like to commit to some steps until the next session. 

Also, I'm using a special reflection file that helps to ground the insights and be more clear about what happened in the session.

There is no need to complicate accountability. 

If something doesn't stick, there is a reason for that. It's less about techniques and more about the deep reason that prevents a person from being accountable for the actions he committed to making. 

When it comes to maintaining accountability, I encourage my clients to keep a journal or simply note how things are going each day between sessions. Reflecting on progress, challenges, and even how you feel each day helps you build awareness and take ownership of the process. While I’m available for messaging if questions arise or if you need a bit of support, I find that relying too much on check-ins can create a dependency that only works short-term. My goal is to help you build strategies that work for the long haul, so you ultimately don’t need me to stay motivated.

The real accountability comes in our live online sessions, where we dig into what worked and what didn’t. The most important thing is to book that next session and show up, even if you feel like things haven’t gone as planned. In fact, those sessions where you think you’ve “failed” often lead to the biggest breakthroughs. We discover together why something didn’t work, and it’s usually not your fault—it’s just about finding the right approach for you. As a coach, I have a toolkit full of different strategies, and our job is to experiment until we find the ones that truly fit your needs.