Coaching Model: The CLEAR

A Coaching Model Created by Irene Azoulay
(Cross Cultural Coach, FRANCE)

The CLEAR model is driven on the premise that we go around living our lives without taking a breath, taking a step back, and looking clearly at the journey we are taking. When working with a coach, the client takes the time to stop and assess where they are, and explore where they would like to go. With the help of the coach, the client sets goals, becomes more aware of their values and what their driving force is, and armed with this understanding can clearly see the way forward.

The CLEAR model can be applied either to an individual coaching session, or to a series of sessions. There are 5 steps to the journey and it is not necessarily a linear journey, with the client going back and forth between the steps.

Communicate the Outcome:

At the beginning of the session, the client specifies what it is that they wish to be coached on, and what outcome they would like to have from the session(s). For some clients the outcome they wish to achieve may be quite obvious, but for others it may not be the case. They may know that something is not right, but can’t put their finger on it. Powerful questioning at this stage will help the client to get clarity around the outcome they wish to achieve.

Look at the current situation:

This stage involves getting more information on the current situation. Active listening, powerful questions and intuition will guide the client to awareness around where they are now. At this stage, the underlying beliefs and values of the client will be explored. The coach will check to ensure that the goal is owned by the client and is not doing it to please another.

Evaluate the Options:

Once the client is in a state of awareness, the client will generate options to achieve change. The range of options will then be evaluated. Open ended questions can help the client here e.g. what would you do if you knew you could not fail? The coach could guide the client to explore what has worked in the past, and why, and encouraging more of the same. Another technique which can help here is to ask the client to visualize the end result, and the steps to get there.

Action:

This is the step that involves developing a concrete plan which will take the client from where they are today, to where they want to go. A clear, detailed, specific plan with time commitments and a support plan would be produced. The coach would establish how much accountability is required, and what that accountability looks like. The coach should guide the client to establishing how they will know when they have been successful.

Reach Out:

The coach is available to the client in between sessions. The client should view the coach as being a motivator and a true believer in the ability of the client to achieve. The coach is a partner who encourages, challenges and empathizes with the client. The coach will help the client to recognize their achievements and encourage their celebration.