Coaching Model: The DISCS

A Coaching Model Created by Jamie McKenna
(Business Development Coach, UNITED STATES)

This DISCS Model was co-created by Rosalie Clough, Karen Atwell and myself through our company, Dynamic Perspectives, Inc.

The DISCS Model works both as a problem solving model and as a coaching process. It has been easily taught (through practice and demonstration) as part of our 1 ½ day Train-The-Coach Programs which we have created and conducted inside corporations to assist leaders in becoming better coaches. It provides a simple questioning strategy to guide the client beginning with discovery (focusing on a goal, need or dream) to identifying where they are currently in relation to where they want to go (reality and gap) through strategizing (potential options or possibilities) to a course of action (chart) and the tactical action steps (structured accountability) they would like to take in order to reach their goal/need or dream!

The DISCS Model:

Discover:

Ask open-ended questions to uncover the Need, Dream or Goal. For example: Where do you see your business in 5 years? What does that look like? What will that do for you?

Identify:

Ask open ended questions to gain perspective on the current reality and the gap. For example: Where is your business today? What’s working? What are the challenges?

Strategize:

Ask open ended questions to encourage brainstorming ideas around options, tools and possibilities. For example: What are the options? What ideas could you try? What have you seen work for others?

Chart:

Ask questions to uncover potential tactics and actions for moving forward. For example: What will it take? How can you make it happen? Where will you start? What resources do you need?