Coach the Person, Not the Problem

PART II

The Five Essential Practices

When we question what we know, we are open to learning. We just don’t do this well when left to figure things out on our own.

—MARCIA REYNOLDS

MANY COACHING MODELS can lead to a satisfying outcome for the client. Just creating a safe space for people to pause and sort through their thoughts can be beneficial. Coaching models provide value if three goals are met: (1) an outcome for the coaching session is identified, even if it evolves; (2) blocks, or what needs to be resolved by the client, are discovered; and (3) an achievable next step is articulated.

These three goals of all effective coaching models provide focus and movement in the coaching conversation. The outcome defines what the person wants to get ...