Coaching Model: SPARK

A Coaching Model Created by Natalia Tamburini
(Career Coach, UNITED STATES)

But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future. – Marie Kondo

Introduction

The Marie Kondo Method of tidying up has become a phenomenon over the last few years, and in her process, Marie asks her clients to ask a straightforward question: “Does this spark joy?” If it does, she encourages clients to keep that item, if it doesn’t, she asks them to thank them for their service and let them go.

When it comes to creating our lives, I believe that life and career are almost impossible to separate. They are inherently tied to one another, whether you are a workaholic or a work-as-you-go. Our vocation is deeply connected with the kind of life we have and create for ourselves, for better or for worse.

We live in a society that is driven by achievement and success, and many of us end up living a life that checks a lot of boxes of what we think is a success. We hold a false belief that success leads to happiness, while studies show that it is happiness that leads to success (Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E.).

My coaching model leans into this shift in perspective to lead clients into looking at growth through a lens of joy, rather than accomplishment and productivity.

Coaching Model: SPARK

S: Speak

We create an environment that allows for everything to be spoken out loud. I believe that fears, doubts, and anxieties become bigger when we keep them inside ourselves, so we believe that speaking out everything that is coming up for us is a step in the direction of finding joy rather than fear. As a coach, I create a safe space for the client to be able to share by building rapport, trust, and intimacy.

P: Play

I believe that to tap into joy, we must connect with our inner child. Both I and my client commit to tuning in to play to supercharge learning and create connections (Robinson). Play is a huge factor in child development and continues to be throughout adulthood—it can help relieve stress and boost creativity, both of which can help a client create a life rooted in joy rather than obligation. As a coach, I put on my “play” goggles, too, so the client can feel like she is in a shared space of openness and has a partner even in play.

A: Analyze

The client will be open to asking questions, challenging beliefs, and thoughts that come up as she explores and tries new things. The analysis can include questions such as:

• What did I like about this experience?
• What did I dislike about this experience?
• What can I try next?

As a coach, I ask powerful questions and listen actively to my client so I can point out awareness, ideas, and shifts in the client.

R: Reflect

There will be room for the client to reflect on her experiences and analysis of them. As a coach, I will create space to share ideas and awareness, as well as present tools and exercises that I believe, are applicable, if the opportunity presents itself.

K: Kickstart

Instead of focusing on an outcome, this model focuses on the beginning of the “spark” of something new. This is where the client can kickstart a new idea, solution, or habit to create a joyful, and in turn successful, life that works for her.

References

Kondo, M., & Hirano, C. (2015). The life-changing magic of tidying: Japanese art. London: Vermilion.

Lyubomirsky, S., King, L., & Diener, E. (2005). The Benefits of Frequent Positive effect: Does Happiness Lead to Success? [Abstract]. Psychological Bulletin, 131(6), 803-855. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.131.6.803

Robinson, L. (n.d.). The Benefits of Play for Adults. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/mental-health/benefits-of-play-for-adults.htm