A Coaching Model Created by Carol-Ann Furminger
(Life Coach, GERMANY)
I have decided to my make my model very specific, as I want a model that is purely focused on my future niche of coaching expat women whom have followed their husbands/partners in their career path. I have been a trailing spouse (I so hate that title) for the last 14 years. I like to see myself more as; personal cheerleader, supporter, sounding board and an amazing wife. Maybe time to buy that “super wife” cat suit!
During the last 14 years we have lived in 9 houses in 4 countries. Our sons who are 3rd culture kids (aged 14 and 12) have so far attended 6 schools.
Being an expat wife and mother can be challenging, frustrating and soul destroying if you do not have structures, social connections and support networks. I know if I had been offered coaching during my moves and repatriations, life would have been so much easier as I would have had a guide, cheerleader and supporter in helping me find the fulfilment that I wanted to make me happy, after having to give up my existing career.
I have chosen the tree logo for the centre of my model as the flags represent the different nationalities of the women that I will be coaching. The tree symbolises life, it also represents many of the issues that are important to an ex-pat; branches that give structure and social network, a trunk that offers support and roots that ground us and make us feel secure.
I have labeled each step in the process as being part of a journey, this is twofold. Firstly as coaching is a journey but also for expats their life is a journey away from home.
My model can be used both for the coaching journey as a whole and for each individual session. My model is meant to be a map not an itinerary, which means it is a guideline and not set in stone, allowing for flexibility.
During my discovery session with a client, I will explain confidentiality and how I will maintain this throughout our coaching journey and beyond. Before the discovery session I will have sent out a pen picture of who I am to help build a rapport and to begin to lay down the foundations for trust. I will also discuss the use of exercises and homework/follow up. After the discovery session I will contact the client to ask if they would like to commit to having me as their coach. With this decision I would then send a copy of my coaching agreement.
Where are we and how did we get here?
This first step is where the client explores, how life was before the move: What were their goals, what made them happy, who was in their support network, how were they supported, what do they want to leave behind and what do they miss. This is also the space to discover and explore underlying values and beliefs through exercises of self discovery.
When using this method for individual sessions this would be the chance to reflect on the time since the last session, to acknowledge achievements, to go through any “homework” and to evaluate goals/actions.
Where we want to end up?
This is the place to visualise the future they would like to have. To explore obstacles and support. To use exercises for self exploration and self discovery.
In an individual session this would be the step to decide on what they would like to achieve during the session.
How do we get there?
Time to explore and set goals. This will be a longer term goal with short term/smaller goals as stepping stones to build the path to reaching and achieving the long term goal.
In an individual session this will be setting the goal for the session/what we want to achieve during the allotted time.
On our way
This where we will be working on the short term smaller goals, using power tools, discovering obstacles and finding solutions. Maintaining changes that have been made.
In an individual session this would be the bulk of the session, using powerful questioning, active listening, exercises, cheerleading, support, empathy and love.
Are we there yet?
This is the evaluation portion; evaluating short term goals that have been achieved, Is the long term goal still valid, what is working well, are there new obstacles, is the journey going to continue or have we reached our destination.
In an individual session this would be the closing part of the session; Did we achieve what we set out to do during the session, follow up work, take aways.
My model is simple in process as coaching does not need to be complicated to be effective. I decided on a cycle approach as this allows for re-evaluation of goals
and for the process to flow. Over time I imagine the model will evolve as my coaching style changes with experience.