A Coaching Model Created by Melanie Alexander
(Life Coach, CANADA)
Man often becomes what he believes himself to be. If I keep on saying to myself that I cannot do a certain thing, it is possible that I may end by really becoming incapable of doing it. On the contrary, if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it even if I may not have it at the beginning. –Mahatma Gandhi
The THRIVE coaching model is influenced by human behaviour theories and the concept that involves belief, behavior and results. This concept explains that, our belief system determines all of our behaviours and consequently, our behaviours determine our results. If we want a particular result to be achieved we must first believe that we can achieve it and the necessary behaviours should be performed to obtain said result. The THRIVE model is expanded and broken into 4 phases (Belief, Reality, Behaviour, Results) with the above three components acting as fundamental elements. The added step, #2 Reality, is a crucial addition to the THRIVE model. As stated by Mahatma Gandhi, “if I have the belief that I can do it, I shall surely acquire the capacity to do it.” With this intention plus the understanding that there needs to be a balance between a ‘pipe dream’ and the ‘realistic expectations’ of a dream, individuals have the perfect formula for achieving results. Therefore the THRIVE model consists of: Belief – Reality – Behaviour – Results. These 4 phases are surrounded by the client deepening their self-awareness and the coach providing a customized approach using different tools and powerful questions to support the client in the direction they desire. In addition, the coach encourages an open, honest and powerfully creative space for breakthrough and action. The THRIVE coaching model finds its unique beauty in the arrangement of its phases where Reality (2) does not have to follow Belief (1), Behaviour (3) does not have to follow Reality (2) and Results (4) isn’t always the final phase. Each individual is unique and at different stages of their life and goals. Individuals with different pieces of the puzzle already complete can jump from phase to phase and still receive the same benefit if following phases 1-4.
Phase 1
Belief: Set the foundation by exploring individual self-belief’s. Client discovers self-awareness and self-discovery and gains confidence to move towards their goals and dreams.
As the first phase of the model, this is the foundation. Here the client describes their intention and shares their goals and dreams of what they would like to achieve through coaching. Before their journey begins we first begin to understand the individual’s belief in themselves and their ability to achieve desired results. If the client believes they are able to achieve the result, then we can either move on to the next phase or glide through the following discovery and awareness to uncover hidden limitations. If an individual is weary about their ability, then we begin a journey of self-discovery and self-awareness through exercises and exploration. Some exercises that can be used will determine individual values, strengths, passions, personal meaning, limiting beliefs and personalized self-development. The individual will start to understand their blueprint and what to do with it. They gain self confidence in their ability to achieve their goals and dreams in life and with this mindset they are able to move forward. If this phase is not successfully completed, the individual’s dis-belief in their capacity to achieve their desired results will hinder and stop them from obtaining results. A confident self-belief in their ability to achieve is crucial before moving to the next phases.
Phase 2
Reality: Allow yourself to DREAM… with realistic expectations. Logical and practical thinking is encouraged to move forward with success and enthusiasm.
The phases, Belief and Reality, are interconnected. As the client is working towards believing in themselves to be able to achieve their desired dreams and goals, they also begin the process of analyzing the reality of their desired outcome. This step is crucial because as the client has now developed the deep belief that they can achieve the dream at hand it is important for the coach to support the exploration of the client’s realistic expectations of the outcome. This phase is directed by the client but challenging and powerful questions are asked by the coach to encourage practical and logical thinking when the client is planning action steps towards the desired result. The coach supports them in the realization that YES this goal is possible or NO it is not. Guided by the client, the coach supports them in gaining the confidence in their ability.
Phase 3
Behaviour: Master Action Plans (MAP) are developed to outline different possible steps to obtain results.
This is an exciting phase where individuals get the chance to explore their personal creativity and ignite the fire that captures the burning desire in their soul. They have a dream, a goal and a result that they wish to obtain. They believe in themselves to achieve it and it is self-determined as realistic so now they need to act on the behaviours which will produce the desired results. To reach any destination the client needs a Master Action Plan (MAP). Laying out a MAP for individual goals ensures that each step is outlined to obtain the desired outcome. The client defines different paths for achieving their objectives and note particular road blocks that may steer them off course. Once the client determines the steps and behaviours necessary, they are ready to take action. Taking their self-awareness and positive attitude with them from their confident self-belief, they head on their way. Acting upon the necessary behaviours outlined in their MAP to reach their goals and dreams individuals can begin to see results unfold.
Phase 4
Results: Evaluate Outcomes – Review, revise and celebrate results achieved.
This phase is a key component. Along the individual client’s journey, there will come a time when life changes and they need to review the steps, goals, values or maybe their passion shifts and they need to revise the MAP. These are realities among others that change one’s course. During the Results phase, individuals will be encouraged to review periodically, revise when necessary, measure milestones, progress and celebrate as desired results are achieved.
Once a client reaches a point where they have achieved a desired Result, they can either start at Phase 1 with a new goal or jump to other phases depending on what they are working towards. Whatever the situation, the THRIVE model is intended for continuous use. It can be applied as a self-directed model where the client takes themselves through each phase or as a client-coach relationship where the coach supports the client in the dreams and goals they wish to achieve.
Coaches’ role:
Throughout the coaching relationship and the use of the THRIVE model the coaches intention and role is to support the client in what they are working towards. Encouraging open, honest and non-judgmental conversation, the coach exhibits a trustworthy and confidential space. The coach expresses a genuine interest for their client’s results during the coaching relationship and empowers the client to become self-aware via powerful questioning, customization, active listening, direct communication and accountability.