In goal-setting practice, which approach aligns with collaborative input from client and coach?

• A. Be collaborative using input from both client and coach
• B. Use input only from the client
• C. Use input only from the coach
• D. Input from a third party such as a client's spouse

Answer: (A)

Collaborative goal-setting blends the client’s values, readiness, and lived context with the coach’s expertise in planning and accountability. This joint input makes goals more meaningful to the client and more feasible to achieve, because the client helps shape what matters most and the coach helps turn that into clear, measurable steps with timelines. The process typically involves an open dialogue: clarifying priorities, exploring options, and agreeing on SMART goals with concrete actions and agreed check-ins. Relying only on the client can miss structured guidance and accountability, while relying only on the coach can diminish the client’s autonomy and ownership. Involving a third party adds potential confidentiality issues and can shift priorities away from the client’s own goals. So a collaborative approach with input from both client and coach best supports effective goal setting.