A Coaching Model Created by Stephen Miller
(Leadership Coach, GERMANY)
There are three stages to the ACT coaching model. They can be applied at both the overarching coaching engagement level and at the individual coaching session level. They are not necessarily sequential stages – clients can pop in and out of the stages depending on the focus, discovery or experimentation level they are at. However, as with any type of elevation, it is often most helpful to begin at the base.
While using this model, the coach employs all of the ICF core competencies, paying special attention to Powerful Questioning, Creating Awareness, Action Planning and Managing Progress.
| Stage 1: Awaken | |
 | This stage is where the client begins to wake up to who they really are and what they really want. The client explores values and beliefs; identifies authentic dreams and desires; observes where energy is spent and what roadblocks they encounter; uncovers strengths. It is basically an inventory of where they are and where they want to be. No judgement, simply observation and reflection to bring greater awareness into their lives. |
| Stage 2: Connect | |
 | This stage begins the client’s elevation. Of the inventory they have taken of themselves. What is serving them well? What isn’t any longer? What are some alternate perspectives? And, significantly, how do they connect what they are learning about themselves with their thoughts, actions, behaviors and attitudes in order to continue that elevation of personal excellence and meet the goals they’ve set for themselves? The client’s external and internal states are in alignment with who they really are. |
| Stage 3: Thrive | |
 | Here is where the results show – the client is at the peak of their excellence; they are in flow. They are meeting their goals, experiencing enormous satisfaction and reward, making a difference in the world, acknowledging themselves and their accomplishments. Life is great and they feel empowered to make it even richer and greater. |
Putting it all Together
The Awaken-Connect-Thrive (ACT) Coaching Model supports the client in becoming more aware of (Awaken) who they truly are, what they are capable of achieving and what they really want in life. As all this becomes clearer, the client is better able to align (Connect) their thoughts and actions to create the life they desire. And as that life comes together, they can experience a rewarding and deeply satisfying flow (Thrive).
As clients connect with the what they need to do to thrive, the Abilities-Challenges-Tools (ACT) Power Tool provides a way of designing actions that are powerful, inspiring and outcome-producing. They acknowledge what they bring into play (Abilities), identify obstacles (Challenges) which will ultimately lead to growth and construct a support system (Tools) that will maximize their ability to sustain progress.
Merriam-Webster defines the verb “to elevate” as “to lift up or make higher.” As coaches, we accept our clients as whole, resourceful and capable. In other words, they are already excellent! Elevating our clients’ excellence, therefore, doesn’t mean improving or changing it. It simply means bringing awareness to it, lifting it to a higher level and activating it to enable a fuller, more satisfying life. The ACT2 Coaching System aims to guide our clients on their journey towards this life.
