A Coaching Model Created by Linda Hajduk
(Executive Leadership Coach, USA)
Coaching is built on the belief that the solution is inside the client. A client comes to coaching to discover self – awareness that will lead them to discovering the answer that will move them forward to their goal. The coach provides a safe, supportive environment that allows awareness to emerge. As the client moves through the coaching process that I have labeled; define, explore, discover, commit, they learn more about themselves. As their awareness increases they are able to move forward to finding the solution.
The goal of creating awareness should be brought by the coach to all phases of the coaching process. The power of the coaching process lies in the coach knowing how to create awareness in their client. Creating awareness though-out the coaching process is achieved by the coach in the following ICF core competencies:
Coaching Presence
Active listening
Powerful questions
Direct Communication
Coaching Application
The AWARENESS MODEL focuses on the importance of the use of powerful questions throughout the coaching process. While all the core competencies listed above contribute to building awareness, it is the competency of powerful questions that brings it all together. Questions have the power to change lives. Questions hold the power to cause us to think, create answers we believe in, and motivate us to act on our ideas. It is important that the coach asks questions that build awareness in the client, that move them to achieving their goal. Following are powerful questions that can be used in each coaching phase to create awareness. This is not an inclusive list. The coach must also always remember the importance of “dancing with the client” when asking a question. The question must be directed by where the client is at the moment.
Define
This is where the client brings forward their issue. It is here where powerful questioning brings clarity to what is to be achieved. Through beginning awareness, the client defines their goal(s).
Define questions:
Explore
This is where the client addresses the current reality, the external and internal situation. This is where the coach’s curiosity increases. The coach probes to build the client’s awareness to what is going on.
Explore questions:
Discover
This is where the client discovers options. This is where the coach helps the client get unstuck by pushing them to think farther then they have before. The coach draws the client into their creative zone. The client’s increasing awareness opens them up to think outside the box.
Discover questions:
Commit
This is where the client commits to action steps. This is where the client goes from could do® want to®will do. As a coach, you want the client to create doable steps so they will know success. This is where the client’s increased self- awareness brings energy and motivation to move forward.
Commit questions:
