| Definition |
Keeps the client focused and working towards intended goals |
| Effect |
1. The client feels capable.
2. The client is clear about what he or she wants to achieve or transform.
3. The client is inspired by the possibilities.
4. The client moves forward purposefully.
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| Key Elements |
1. Inquiring into the client's intentions and goals.
2. Time spent on what is most important.
3. Clarifying direction of progress.
4. Periodically reviewing, revising, and/or celebrating the process and intentions.
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| Distinctions |
- transform vs. change
- progress vs. movement
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| Effective Behaviors |
The coach:
1. Continually clarifies what the client intends.
2. Perceives what matters to the client.
3. Asks questions that reveal the client's intentions.
4. Brings the client back to what is important.
5. Rephrases the client's intentions in a way that adds value.
6. Questions intentions or assumptions, while respecting the client's goals and preferences.
7. Offers resources to enhance the client’s ability to clarify intentions (such as models, tools, books, assessments).
8. Perceives or inquires, and responds to, changing needs and desires of the client.
9. Aligns coaching points or intentions with client’s values.
10. Understands how client’s values and/or beliefs support the intentions. |
| Ineffective Behaviors |
The coach:
1. Pushes the client towards stated goals when they are no longer relevant.
2. Moves forward while the intentions are not clear.
3. Needs, or inappropriately influences, the client to follow the coach's agenda or methodology.
4. Second-guesses the client.
5. Follows the client’s tangents that detour from the stated goal. |
| Measures |
1. The client is more excited about the future.
2. The client is more excited about the present.
3. The client agrees to take more responsibility.
4. The client has a realization that removes a mental obstacle.
5. The client is engaged and excited about new direction, renewed commitment, skills or strategies, or fresh approach. |
| Common Mistakes Coaches Make |
- Not noticing when the client is hesitant about a particular intention or agreement.
- Thinking the coach knows what is best for the client.
- Injecting or forcing the coach’s own expectations onto the client or into the session. |
| Indicators the Coach Understands the Mastery |
- The coach is not attached to the client setting a specific or particular intention.
- The coach recognizes that this mastery builds on Mastery #6 (Clarifying) – that they must clarify in order to be on target with intentions.
- The coach recognizes when the client’s commitments are not aligned with the client’s true desires and goals. |