A Coaching Model Created by Beatrice Manzoni
(Business Coach, ITALY)

This coaching model helps clients being ambidextrous (balancing exploration and exploitation, that means being at the same time open to experimenting with something new and capable of exploiting their existing assets) when they want to solve a challenge, make a change or simply make a decision that is important to them.

There are three steps in the model: Experience, Envision, Execute. The peculiarity is that in each step we foster an ambidextrous approach, using questions that allow the client to both leverages what is already existing and developing something new.

Step 1. Experience

The first step is to bring the need for change into focus and to create a sense of urgency to strengthen the client’s commitment towards the change he/she wants to make. In this phase, we support the client in reflecting on the current situation. Even if we are projected towards making a change, finding something that works in the current situation can be reassuring for the client and help to restrict the focus.

Possible “exploring” questions:

What do you need/want to change?
What is most challenging for you to change?
What is missing now?

Possible “exploiting” questions:

What do you like about the present situation?
What can you/ do you want to keep?
What are the strengths you can leverage upon?

Step 2. Envision

The second step is to craft a vision and specific goals. In this phase, we support the client in defining specific goals and measurable outcomes, given a vision he/she has for himself/herself. Remind the client to make goals as SMART as possible, splitting the goal into subgoals. There is nothing wrong if some subgoals are easy to reach, they can be the so-called “quick wins”, through which the client builds confidence in the process and himself/herself.

Possible “exploring” questions:

What do you see when you imagine yourself having reached the goal?
What will be new about yourself?
How will you know that the change is made?

Possible “exploiting” questions:

How do your past experiences, skills, etc. fit with the new vision for yourself?
What are some “quick-wins” / small and easy subgoals you can think about?

Step 3. Executing

The third step is to enter into action. In this phase, we support the client in making an action plan, identifying support structures, and developing accountability. We also support the client in becoming aware of new learning, acknowledging it, and understanding how to exploit this new learning in the future.

Possible “exploring” questions:

What else can you do? What new actions can you implement?
What new resources do you need to activate to make your actions real?
What new insights have you learned so far in the process about yourself/ the situation?

Possible “exploiting” questions:

How can you leverage the experiences you developed in the past to develop your action plan?
Look at your existing network/skills, who/what can support you?
How can you exploit the new learning for the future?