A Coaching Model Created by Tamara Lebak
(Diversity Coach, UNITED STATES)
P.O.W.E.R. Model of Coaching and Change
- Is it courageous?
- Is it compassionate?
- Does it increase/deepen connection?
The P.O.W.E.R. model of coaching uses Gestalt methodology to shape the coaching process.
Perceive
Based in the present moment, perception is what you pay attention to, from the ground of all prior experiences to anything that is taking place in the present. Perception is the data that makes up what you choose to observe. In this phase the coach builds ground with the client asking open ended questions so that the client canbegin to observe a direction that they would like to go.
Observe
The shaping of data into a pattern of an issue to be discussed or addressed. Time is spent with the coach identifying the opinions of the client versus the data brought by the client. In this stage of the model a problem or target of change is identified.
Reacting vs. Choosing
The coach will work with the client to identify buried assumptions within the Observe phase in order to assist the client in determining when the client is reaction to information and when the client is making a choice. A goal of the P.O.W.E.R. model is to assist clients to more easily recognize the opportunities for an intentional choice to be made with regards to what the want and ho they respond to given circumstances.
Want
Where attention is placed there is energy. Amidst the data and observations identified by the client, the coach interacts with open ended questions to determine what holds the most energy for the client to work with in the present moment. If multiple patterns or issues were identified then the coach helps to identify which issues have more of the client’s attention and therefore more energy. The target questions of this stage are What do you want ? and What are you willing to do to get it? At this stage enough energy is mobilized that there is either anxiety or excitement to move towards engagement.
Engage
An action is either taken with the coach or a plan is made for future action and accountability with the coach. The client with the support of the coach, provides a clear plan for engaging the issue that is intended to satisfy the discomfort of not having what is wanted in the WANT stage.
Underlying Values
At the engage Phase the coach will ask questions to assist the client in determining whether or not the action proposed is in line with the Client’s values.
In full disclosure, this model has a set of underlying values that inform the coach’s support of the client.
- Does the action of engagement proposed by the client deepen or increase connection between those involved or disparate parts of the client?
- Is the action courageous?
- Does it stretch the client to lean into their discomfort?
- Is it compassionate? To the client them self? to others?
Review/Restart
A review of the coaching session happens at the end of the session so that it is clear what the client intends to do and how the coach will support that action. In order to close the loop, the coach will begin with a follow up to the unit of work determined on the current session as ground to begin the following session.
Intent vs. Impact
In review of a particular unit of work, was the client successful in achieving the desired impact with the action attempted in the Engage Phase? If not, the coach will review the discrepancy between the client’s intent and the impact of the action as well as any data that leads the client to believe he/she was or was not successful. A goal in the P.O.W.E.R. Model is to increasingly align intent with impact.
