| Definition |
Reduce/eliminate confusion or uncertainty; increase understanding and the confidence of the client. |
| Effect |
1. The client and the coach move forward in a more directed way.
2. Increased possibilities.
3. Decreased uncertainty.
4. Uncovering the unknown. |
| Key Elements |
1. Identify the most important issue while respecting client’s preferences and limitations.
2. No judgment by the coach, no leading toward a particular destination.
3. Identify key values and needs.
4. Facilitate alignment of purpose, vision and mission.
5. Identify blocks to progress. |
| Distinctions |
- source vs. symptom
- simplicity vs. complexity
- discern vs. solve
|
| Effective Behaviors |
The coach:
1. Makes or shares distinctions.
2. Asks “either/or” questions.
3. Connects to something the client already knows or has experienced.
4. Identifies patterns.
5. Asks open questions.
6. Makes statements that enhance the client’s understanding.
7. Mirrors or paraphrases.
8. States what is perceived. |
| Ineffective Behaviors |
The coach:
1. Misses or ignores what is most important.
2. Makes assumptions.
3. Is pulled into, or distracted by, the client's chaos and confusion.
4. Asks leading questions.
5. Asks closed-ended questions.
6. Does not ask questions at all.
7. Does not address a topic the client is clearly avoiding or minimizing.
8. Seeks to clarify a symptom rather than looking for the source of the issue. |
| Measures |
1. The most important issue(s) for the client is identified and addressed.
2. The client feels understood.
3. The client’s energy is increased.
4. The client's view of the situation has shifted, allowing for:
a. improved focus.
b. more clarity and less uncertainty or confusion.
c. revealing previously unknown information.
d. new possibilities, such as thoughts, actions, meanings.
5. The client has increased self-awareness, or can see himself or herself from a new perspective.
|
| Common Mistakes Coaches Make |
- Thinking the coach knows the right answer or what is best for the client.
- Focusing on surface problems or symptoms, not understanding the most important issue for the client may be below, or hidden by, the initial “problem” the client brings to the session.
- Setting the agenda, rather than letting the client set the agenda, or setting it together.
- Not being clear whether the most important issue was identified and addressed adequately. |
| Indicators the Coach Understands the Mastery |
- The coach does not feel pressure to clarify for the client.
- The client’s perspective shifts – the client knows something he/she did not know before – about self, capabilities, the situation, beliefs or assumptions, etc.
- The coach is curious and interested.
- The coach actively participates with the client in a collaborative manner.
- The coach and client clarify thoughts, feelings, beliefs, and/or words.
- The coach is willing to question what is going on underneath the reported issue. |