The first six months of a coaching program follow a predictable rhythm. We run two program shapes and this guide walks through what to expect in each: a 6 month pilot, or a 1 year program. Find your shape below and read from there.
🧭 The two shapes
- 6 month pilot. A structured engagement where we prove the model with a defined population, build the evidence you need to expand, and land on a clear decision about what happens next. Best for organizations that want to see coaching work with their people before committing at scale.
- 1 year program. The default shape for ongoing coaching. Twelve months gives us the runway to move real behavior, capture baseline to resurvey data with confidence, and build the muscle for coaching to become a durable capability at your company.
The first two months look similar in both shapes (implementation, kickoff, chemistry calls, first sessions). After that they diverge. In our experience, being clear about which shape you're running from the start changes how you plan, what you measure, and how you talk about it internally.
📅 Timeline at a glance
Shared across both shapes (Month zero to end of Month one):
- Contract signature to first coaching session takes roughly six weeks
- Implementation runs about four weeks (member identification, IT setup, comms plan, kickoff logistics)
- Kickoff is a live 30 minute session we co host with you
- Chemistry calls and coach selection happen in the two weeks after kickoff
- Motivated members can be in their first coaching session within three days of a chemistry call
Where the tracks diverge:
- 6 month pilot: the program enters a build phase in month two, a signal check in month four, and a decision phase in months five and six. The whole engagement is designed around landing a clear yes on what happens next.
- 1 year program: the program enters a settle in phase in months two and three, deep work in months four and five, and a midpoint review at month six. Renewal conversations start at month nine.
🏁 Month zero: implementation
Same for both shapes.
Implementation runs between contract signature and kickoff. Most partners take about four weeks. Partners who have members identified at signature move faster. Partners still finalizing nominations take longer.
Two structured meetings up front: