1. Politely remind the client of time constraints. 2. Set clear boundaries for future sessions. 3. Offer to address remaining topics in a follow-up. 4. Prioritize key objectives to maximize remaining time.

If a coaching session runs late, quickly inform the next client of the delay. Set a firm stop time with the current client to prioritize key points, and wrap up concisely. In the future, build buffer time between sessions for flexibility. Reflect on patterns causing delays and set clear time expectations with all clients to keep sessions on track.

If a coaching session is running late, use your coaching skills to respectfully acknowledge the time. You might say, “I notice we’re approaching the end of our session, and I want to ensure you get the most out of our remaining time. What would be most helpful for you to focus on in the next few minutes?” If the session has already gone over and the client is mid-flow, you could say, “I see this is important to you, and I want to honour your time. Would you like to wrap up now, or schedule a follow-up to continue this discussion?” This approach keeps the session focused and respects both your and the client’s time.

Apologize to the next client for the tardiness. Nine times out of ten this client has been late to a session or two in the past so they should have already experienced your grace and are willing to do the same with you. Jump right into the session. Make it one of your best sessions, but first tell this client that you will provide an additional 30 minutes complimentary on their next session.

A part of the role of the coach is to manage the time available in a session. There is no reason to get to a point where it is running 10 minutes over. One tactic I use is to ensure the client is aware when we are close to closing to make sure they make the most of the time and leave having covered what they wanted to, e.g ‘we’ve got about 7 minutes left for today, so in this time…’ I also am strongly against using “5 minutes” as this marker as people interpret this as a more casual, looser timeframe due to how often 5 minutes is used to not actually mean 5 minutes! A “quick wrap up” is another great way to ensure the meeting has a defined and not rushed end, summarising key points so far and defining next steps succinctly!

When faced with unexpected delays, I quickly assess the situation to understand the impact and prioritize tasks based on urgency. Clear communication is key, so I inform relevant parties and suggest a revised plan to maintain alignment. I then focus on non-negotiable tasks, delegating or cutting the less critical ones to manage my time efficiently. Time-blocking helps me regain control, ensuring focus on high-impact activities without distractions. Finally, I reflect on the cause of the delay to identify patterns and improve time management in the future.