Coaching Model: DRIVE

A Coaching Model Created by Solange Corm
(Career Coach, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES)

GOAL – D – Determine the goal

At the first meeting, this may take the form of a discussion around the overall goals for the coaching relationship. At each subsequent meeting, this is more likely to be the goal for that particular session.

Example questions:

What is the issue on which you would like to work today?
What would you like to achieve?
What would you like to make a difference in?
How can we measure if you have achieved your goal?

R- Reality

The next step is to become aware of the current reality of the client. Her clients become fully aware of the starting point of their journey toward achieving their goal. As the client starts to recognize his or her current reality the solutions start to emerge

What are the key factors discussed that are affecting you at the moment?

Now you need to explore what the situation is right now in order to help your client work out where to go now.

Example questions:

What is currently happening?
When does this happen?
How often does this happen? (be precise)
What effect does this have?
What other factors are relevant?
What have you tried so far?

I – Idea Generation & Insights – Options

Once the client has explored their current reality they are able to explore the various options available to them. The coach helps the client to generate as many options as possible and discuss these.

What options did you discuss?

This is where you help your client explore possible solutions or opportunities available to them.

Example questions:

What are the possible options?
Which of these options appeals to you most or feels best to you?
Who could you possibly involve?
What possible risks are there?
What are the possible obstacles?
What are the possible tasks & things to do?
What are the possible resources required?

V – Visualize an action plan

Once the current reality and options have been generated, clients can now visualize how the action plan and commitment will look like. This can take various shapes and forms as long as it is in front of their eyes and have full visibility on it so they can own it.

E – Execute the Plan – WILL

Once the action plan is visualized and identified, clients know how to achieve their goal. This knowledge alone is not enough; the client needs to have the will to work on the options to reach their goal. The coach at this stage motivates and enthuses the client to gain clarity and commit to specific action steps and execute the actions identified in the plan.