Coaching Model: SUCCESS

A Coaching Model Created by Kris Talynn
(Success Coach, UNITED STATES)

Introduction

The SUCCESS model represents an approach to coaching that focuses on the change clients experience as they move beyond their current state of thinking and worldview to a transformed state of thinking and worldview that enables them to move forward.  This change represents a mindset shift that I believe is necessary for growth, positive forward motion, and success in all aspects of life.

Using the steps of the SUCCESS model provides a framework that systematically and progressively invites clients to explore where they currently are, where they would like to go, assists them in creating next steps, and details actions necessary for the achievement of client goals.

Symbolism

The Greek delta is a symbol of change.  In mathematics, is used to illustrate the change that has occurred in value.  For example,

Y₂ – Y₁ = Y

If Y₂ = 10 and Y₁ = 3, the delta , or change in Y value,is 7. 

I have always loved math and using the symbol in math.  In fact, I adopted the symbol outside of math as a form of shorthand when creating to-do lists or taking notes.  I often make notations such as:

               bed linens (translated: change the bed linens)

               shopping list (translated: change the shopping list)

I was inspired to use the symbol for my SUCCESS coaching model because it represents the change in mindset a client experiences going through the model.  I believe that recognizing and honouring the change that has occurred in the client mindset is equally as valuable as recognizing the result.  Change is part of the journey.  It is part of life. 

Color & DESIGN

I have specifically chosen a grayscale colour scheme for the model.  Life is not black and white.  There are always shades of grey. 

In the model, the black and white SUCCESS wording represents the “black and white” concept that change is necessary for success.  The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.  Therefore, if clients want to have a different tomorrow than they have had today, they must accept the “black and white” fact that change is required.

The grey inner triangle represents the client’s journey.  Every client’s journey will be different.  There will be struggles, mistakes, successes, failures, recalibration, evaluation, and corrections…all shades of grey. 

The horizontal black lines divide the inner grey triangle into seven segments, each representing the seven letters in SUCCESS and therefore the seven steps a client goes through on their journey.

SUCCESS model

The SUCCESS model uses a bottom-up approach, beginning at the bottom of the triangle and moving to the point.  The bottom of the triangle is the widest part and provides the foundation for the client’s change journey. As clients move toward the top of the triangle, their efforts get more focused.  The point of the triangle represents the target: action on the client’s goals.

 

 

S  –  Set into motion

U  –  Understand next steps

C –  Change the mindset

C  –  Challenge thoughts & expectations

E  –  Explore limiting beliefs

S  –  See & accept client

S  –  Set expectations

 

Set expectations

In order to maintain the International Coach Federation (ICF) Code of Ethics, it is vital that both coach and client set clear expectations of the coaching relationship before entering into a coaching agreement.  To do this, I meet with my clients during a discovery session to explore client needs and to explain what the client can expect from coaching.  Having become a Certified Canfield Success Principles trainer, I incorporate success principles into my coaching program.  Therefore, it is imperative that the client understands my integrated approach.  The client is able to ask questions to achieve complete understanding.  I also provide the client with the option to receive “pure” coaching as well.

In this phase of the model, I also establish coaching terms and payment arrangements as well as the format for the coaching sessions, cancellation policies, etc. 

Finally, I explore client expectations.  We discuss the client’s overarching goals and reasons why the client seeks coaching. We establish where the client is currently and what the client wants out of life.  We determine session packages and timing to best meet client expectations financially, logistically, and timing.

See & accept client

Every client is unique.  Every situation a client brings to coaching is unique.  Although it is likely that there are common issues faced by clients collectively, this phase of the model serves to remind me and other coaches using it that no matter how “familiar” the situation, how many times I’ve coached someone with the “same” situation, every client’s situation is unique to them. 

My job as a Certified Professional Coach is to accept my clients for who they are, how they show up in the session, and honour where they want to go.  See & Accept Client is about releasing judgement, parking your biases/personal opinions/thoughts/expectations at the door and sitting with the client in a safe space that allows for client exploration and growth.

Explore limiting beliefs

I am of the opinion that we all have limiting beliefs that hold us back, that affect how we show up in the world and most certainly affect our view of ourselves.  Limiting beliefs are just that, limiting.  These beliefs can come from as early as childhood, past lives, or because of some trauma.  In this phase of the model, I work with clients to explore what limiting beliefs may be affecting them.  In my integrated coaching approach, I use tools such as visualization, meditation practices, breathing, role-play or other means, to work with clients to get to the root cause of the limiting beliefs and then to neutralize them if possible.

During this phase, I also work with clients to determine how to put new “programs” in place to replace the old limiting beliefs with more empowering, uplifting new beliefs that better serve the clients wants and needs.

Challenge thoughts & expectations

By this point in the model, clients have explored their limiting beliefs, hopefully, neutralized them, and replaced them with new programs that serve them better.  It is now time to challenge their worldview and explore expectations they have of themselves and others.

During each coaching session, I ask powerful questions aimed at challenging client views in an effort to widen the client’s view of their situation.  I provide observations and direct communication geared toward shaking clients out of their “status quo” and cracking open their perceptions.

This phase of the model also serves the client in exploring the reality of their current expectations, whether those expectations are serving or costing them, and how, if necessary, they may change their expectations to better align with their goals.

Change the mindset

The key to client success through the coaching model is realizing that what they are doing today, what they did yesterday, what their history has written, does not define who they are tomorrow.  They are the author of their own story.  As such, they have the power to write a different ending if they so choose.

Changing the client mindset is a very personal and powerful experience that clients go through with my integrated approach.  I use success principles and exercises that help the client realize necessary shifts.

Once a client experiences a shift in mindset, they are ready to move to the final two steps and affect change in their life.

Understand the next steps

Just as every client is unique, every next step is unique.  There is not one prescriptive approach to working with a client in finding his/her way forward.  To help my clients find and understand their next steps, I take a holistic approach.  I use tools such as the 9 environments, cleaning up messes and incompletes and other success principles to broaden client perspectives in order to see possibilities they may not see on their own.

During this phase, I also work with clients to understand their support structure in taking the next steps. It is imperative that clients set themselves up for success by not sabotaging their plans in any way.

Set into motion

An old adage says, “Actions speak louder than words.”  In this phase of the model, clients create a plan to put their next steps into motion.  We discuss timing, supports needed, potential blocks, accountability, and other concerns clients may have in moving forward.

We establish what success looks like, what timing is realistic, and how they will measure those successes.

Coaching Niche

I work with clients that are ready to take their lives to the next level.  Because I use an integrated coaching approach, incorporating the success principles into my coaching, I work with clients that are interested and open to learning new tools like that. 

My client base comes mainly from the corporate world as follow up to training I have provided as part of teaching the success principles.  The individual clients I work with are seeking coaching to work through work environment/leadership/confidence type concerns.