The 5R Coaching Model

A Coaching Model By Miho Kuroda, Transformational Coach, JAPAN

The 5R -A Solution-Focused Approach

The 5R coaching model adopts a solution-focused approach that allows transforming problems into creative opportunities.  It helps clients accept the situation as is without judgment, expand self-awareness, shift their attention to positive perspectives, and inspire empowered actions to achieve their authentic life goals. The coach will walk the clients through the process step by step, helping them shift from problem to opportunity thinking. 

The clients will be able to see the brighter side of challenges in life or work as learning opportunities during the transition in life. As a result, the clients will move on to the next stage. 

The 5R Coaching Model Process

Below is 5 step process of the 5 R coaching model.

1. Recognize

Help clients understand what’s going on (happening) for them at this moment

2. Reflect

Ask open-ended questions to encourage clients to think about their current situation and next steps moving forward

3. Reframe

Expand or contract the framework surrounding the situation of clients to see it differently

4. Reidentify

Reidentify the resources they need and define what clients want to achieve

5. Review

Clients reflect on their progress and identify areas of improvement

Recognize

In the first stage of the 5 R model, coaches help clients get the picture and acknowledge and accept their current experience.  If clients choose, they can put a name to any feelings and thoughts. During this process, be kind to yourself rather than being self-critical.

For example, the types of questions coaches could ask can include:

• What do you think is really happening?
• How do you feel? Can you name your feelings?
• How do you think you are doing differently today from a year ago?
• How do you feel about your achievements today?　
• What will you do to celebrate your achievements? What, when, where, and who you would like to celebrate with?
• How do you see your current state?
• What do you feel about the current situation?

Reflect

In the second stage of the 5 R model, coaches inquire about what is present using curiosity and openness, allowing clients to embrace the feeling and choose their next thought.

For example, the types of questions coaches could ask can include:

• What’s already working?
• What’s not working?
• Is there anything you would like to change?
• What might you have done differently now?
• What do you think is the first step to making changes?

Reframe

In the third stage of the 5 R coaching model, coaches help clients shift the way they see what’s happening to them at the moment. The focus here is to broaden the thinking of clients by looking at the events from different perspectives.

For example, the types of questions coaches could ask can include:

• What makes you perceive this situation as a problem(challenge)?
• What worse could have happened?
• What do you need more or less of?
• How can you leverage your experience going forward?
• What have you learned from this experience?
• What is the worst thing that can happen if you fail again?

Reidentify　

In the fourth stage of the 5 R coaching model, clients explore what clients want to achieve and reidentify the resources and support they need.  Overall, the focus is to help clients come up with a rough plan of action that will allow them to achieve their goals.

For example, the types of questions coaches could ask can include:

• What’s important for you?
• What resources would help you move forward to achieve your goal?
• What is your first step towards meeting your goal?
• What resources do you have access to?
• What options are available now?
• How do you see yourself feeling when you accomplish your goals?
• What’s standing in your way to move forward?

Review　　　

In the last stage of the 5 R coaching model, coaches help clients track their progress and be accountable for their decisions and actions.

For example, the types of questions coaches could ask can during the follow-up sessions include:

• What steps have you taken already to work towards your goal?
• What is your backup plan?
• What actions will you take as a result of our conversation?
• What will you do to hold yourself accountable?
• How can you track your progress?
• What will you commit to?
• What will you do next?
• What could you stop doing?