Personal Application
The HOPE model can be applied in my personal life as a way to self-coach myself. I can go through each of the steps for situations in my life that warrants them. Besides the acronym HOPE is forward looking to something that you want to create but cannot see at this point in time. It beautifully mirrors a coaching journey.
Flexibility & Visual representation of the HOPE Model
Sometimes we may jump straight from Happenings to Exploration and Execution without going through the intervening steps. I believe this model has that flexibility besides being simple to remember and is in many ways consistent with the GROW model. HOPE is forward looking just as coaching is.
Representing the Model and ICF competencies
If you think of a see-saw, a child that is smaller can move away from the pivot while a heavier child needs to move towards the pivot for them to be balanced. The coaching process is one of equals and not where the coach is in any kind of a superior relationship.
Metaphorically the client is bigger as (s)he is coming desiring to accomplish certain goals, outcomes or create happenings. In order to achieve balance in the relationship, the client has to move forward to the pivot. (S)he has to trust the coach and be transparent in their approach and communication.
The coach is metaphorically portrayed as being smaller in that we take the role of being a helper and to do so one needs to move away from the pivotal point – a metaphor to show that you need not be the expert, that you need to listen, to hope for the best for your client, to make yourself of no repute and focus completely on the client. In so doing, you will now position the client to be on an equal footing and work with them to co-create outcomes, explore opportunities, examine problems and finally explore ways and means to execute on a plan.
The arrow indicates the process of HOPE culminating with and in the Client.
Linkages with the ICF Competencies
1st competency – Ethics and Standards – The conversation is focused in the future and based on hope. The model does not seek to go in the past except where relevant.
2nd competency – Establishing the Coaching Agreement – The Model helps to establish the coaching agreement because we start with ‘Happenings’ that we want to co-create with the client.
3rd competency – Establishing Trust and Intimacy with the Client – the seesaw representation of the model is all about establishing trust and intimacy with the client by honouring the relationship, holding it in high regards and having the Client on an equal footing.
4th competency – Coaching Presence – the model holds the client in high regards (please see the seesaw representation) and sees them as a full partner in choosing the agenda as well as the process.
5th competency – Active Listening – active listening underpins the model right from the stage of Happenings to Exploration and Execution.
6th competency – Powerful questioning –helps at each stage to invite the client to co-create the happenings to planning and execution.
7th competency – Direct Communication – While the model is intended to be of help, it is by no means a substitute for limiting the clients thinking and communication. The flexibility inherent in the model allows the process to be non-linear.
8th competency – Creating Awareness – Creating awareness at each stage of the model through powerful questioning, direct communication and active listening.
9th competency – Designing Actions – Working with the client to co-create actions to fit their goals, learning style and growth.
10th competency – Planning and Goal setting – This part is in harmony with the last stage of the model which is ‘Exploration and Execution’. Goals need to be SMART. Also factoring in plans that are in harmony with clients learning and execution styles.
11th competency – Managing Progress and Accountability – this is again part of the ‘Exploration and Execution’ phase where the client is encouraged to come up with an accountability plan with support from the coach in line with the seesaw model.
I end with the quote that we started off with.
My hope is to leave the world a bit better than when I got here. Jim Henson