A Coaching Model Created by Jane Thompson-Gilliam
(Executive Coach, UNITED STATES)
It’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it is the journey that matters in the end. Ursula K. Le Guin
Introduction:
When I travelled with my husband before our son was born the journey always felt like something we just had to get through and our eyes seemed focused on the end point … the arrival. We endured the chaos of the last minute scramble to the air-port/station/car, the “chicken or beef” flights, the endless lines and surly immigra-tion officials. The relief at arriving and drawing our first breath was enormous. We were thrilled to arrive at our destination and didn’t really give the journey another thought.
However, our son is just as (if not more so) excited by the journey to the airport, the actual plane, the movies he can watch, the announcements that are made and even the barriers that create the passport queues (ok, you get the picture!) as the ar-rival at our final destination. Traveling with my child has reminded me that any journey is a valuable learning experience. It can be critical, powerful, enjoyable and yes, sometimes, painful. Yet the journey should not be endured but relished, enjoyed and learnt from.
This insight is inherent in my coaching philosophy and model. I partner with you to ensure you have clarity about where you want to go and support you in arriving at your desired destination. The journey we embark on together will be mindful, enjoyable and provides great opportunities for personal learning. Intriguingly, your arrival at one destination can signal the start of yet another journey.
A – The client Articulates what their desired outcome is.
- We will work through what the future destination point looks and feels like for you.
- We will explore how you will know when you have achieved your goals.
- What is your final destination?
R – The Client Reflects on their current reality.
- We will partner to understand where you are in relation to your goal(s) and how you see the present state.
- We will look at what your values and motivators are and gain an understanding of what is really important to you.
- What is your current location?
R – Explore Resources
- We will understand what you see as your strengths and assets and how they can as-sist in achieving your goal
- We will explore the obstacles you could face.
- What is in your carry on case?
I – Implement a plan to get there
- We will create and implement an action plan to achieve your goals.
- The plan will focus on the steps and actions you are committed to taking.
- This plan will capitalize on your strengths and assets.
- It will be your unique and actionable plan that we will use and refine as we pro-gress.
- Your journey planner!
V – Verify on track
- We will use your plan and also the vision of your outcome to ensure you are on track and adjust as needed.
- Your plan is a living and breathing document - it should and will adjust and flex as you progress towards your goal to accommodate changes and the choices you make.
- We will celebrate and acknowledge progress.
- Amend and adjust for detours and check your map!
E – Evaluates the journey
- Once we have achieved and celebrated your goal achievement we will pause, eval-uate and review the learnings.
- We will reflect on what worked well for you and what you would do differently if you had to do it all over again.
- We will identify the new skills and competencies you have acquired.
- How was the journey?
In summary this process is all about you the client and navigating your journey. I am there to support and enable your success however you are in the drivers seat. We have a model and process to utilize. However, the accountability, opportunities and the ultimate destination(s) lie within you, the client.
Happy “Arriving” and Journey well!