STORMMES
Engagement
Planner

COACHING PRACTICE TOOLS

Design a complete coaching engagement using eight essential elements

Setting the Engagement Container

Session agreements happen every session. Engagement agreements set the container for every session that follows. STORMMES is the framework for that container - eight elements that together establish what the coaching relationship is for, how it will work, and how both parties will know it's working.

The acronym maps the territory a coach and client need to cover before the real work begins: Subject, Time, Outcomes, Roles, Measures, Motivation, Environment, and Starting point. These elements are not a checklist to rush through in the first meeting. They surface across the discovery call, first session, and sometimes into the second - in whatever order the conversation naturally takes them.

The value of STORMMES is what it prevents: the engagement where six sessions in, the client reveals they expected something entirely different. Or where progress stalls because success was never defined. Or where the coach discovers the presenting issue was a proxy for something the Motivation element would have surfaced in week one.

How to Use This Planner

  1. Review all eight elements before the discovery call so you recognize each one when it surfaces naturally in conversation
  2. During the discovery call, cover Subject and Motivation at minimum - these set the direction
  3. In session one, formally address 4-5 elements, with emphasis on Roles and Time
  4. By session two, ensure all eight elements have been discussed at least once
  5. Document the agreement in the client's language, not coaching terminology
  6. Return to STORMMES quarterly or whenever the engagement feels stuck
1

The Eight Elements

S — Subject: What We'll Work On

"What would you like to work on with me?"

Listen for: The gap between the presenting issue and the real opportunity. How broad or narrow the focus needs to be. Connection to larger life context.
T — Time: How Long and How Often

"How long will we work together?"

Consider: Realistic timeframes for the kind of change being pursued. Client's other commitments and bandwidth. The natural rhythm that suits this particular client.
O — Outcomes: What Success Looks Like

"What do you want to achieve?"

Explore: Tangible vs. intangible outcomes. Short-term milestones and long-term shifts. Ripple effects of success beyond the immediate focus area.
2

The Eight Elements (continued)

R — Roles: How We'll Partner

"What are your expectations of me as your coach?"

Clarify: Where coaching ends and consulting or therapy begins. Accountability preferences - push hard or hold space. Communication style and directness.
M — Measures: How We'll Track Progress

"How will we know this is working?"

Define: Both qualitative markers (confidence, clarity, ease) and quantitative indicators (revenue, team scores, response time). Milestone markers along the way.
M — Motivation: Why This Matters

"Why is this important to you right now?"

Uncover: Intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation. Connection to core values. The emotional drivers beneath the rational explanation.
3

The Eight Elements (continued)

E — Environment: Context and Conditions

"What in your environment supports or works against this change?"

Assess: Organizational dynamics, reporting relationships, team culture. Support systems and allies. Potential obstacles and how to address them.
S — Starting Point: Where We Begin

"What's the best way for us to start?"

Establish: The first concrete step or topic. The bridge from agreement to action.
Agreement Notes
4

Implementation Timeline

STORMMES unfolds across the early phase of a coaching engagement. This timeline shows the natural progression - not a rigid sequence, but a pacing guide to ensure full coverage.

W0

Discovery Call

  • Introduce 2-3 elements naturally
  • Focus on Subject and Motivation
  • Light touch on Outcomes
  • Let the conversation guide which elements surface
W1

First Session

  • Cover 4-5 elements formally
  • Emphasize Roles and Time
  • Begin exploring Measures
  • Document emerging agreements
W2

Second Session

  • Complete remaining elements
  • Refine earlier discussions
  • Formalize the engagement agreement
  • Confirm Starting Point for ongoing work
Q

Quarterly Reviews

  • Revisit all eight elements
  • Adjust scope, timeline, or measures as needed
  • Acknowledge progress and celebrate wins
  • Determine whether the engagement continues, shifts, or concludes

Returning to STORMMES Mid-Engagement

When the coaching relationship feels stuck, unfocused, or misaligned, return to this planner. Work through the elements again and identify which one has drifted. Often the issue traces back to Measures (success was never concretely defined), Motivation (urgency has shifted), or Roles (expectations were not made explicit).

5

Quick Reference

Element Core Question What to Listen For
Subject What will we work on? Real vs. presenting issue
Time How long and how often? Realistic expectations
Outcomes What does success look like? Specific vs. vague goals
Roles How will we partner? Clarity on boundaries
Measures How do we track progress? Meaningful indicators
Motivation Why does this matter? Deep drivers
Environment What's the context? Support and obstacles
Starting Point How should we start? Path forward

Coaching Context Variations

Individual Coaching

Full STORMMES over 1-2 sessions. Written agreement recommended. Revisit quarterly.

Team Coaching

Run STORMMES as a facilitated workshop. Use interactive exercises for each element. Create a group agreement.

Internal Coaching

May span multiple meetings. Include relevant stakeholders in Roles and Environment discussions. Document thoroughly.

Integration with Session Agreements

STORMMES establishes the engagement container. Session agreements (such as the IMPACT framework) operate within it. Together they ensure every conversation has both context and focus - STORMMES sets the direction for the whole engagement, while session agreements focus each individual conversation.

ICF Core Competencies 3.1-3.5 aligned

6

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