A Coaching Model Created by Haseena Mohd. Sham
(Executive Coach, SINGAPORE)
Far too many people have no idea of what they can do because all they have been told is what they can’t do.— Zig Ziglar
S – Set a Safe Space
Jumpstart the coaching relationship by creating a safe and trusting space for the client. Coach express the intent to take up the role with a commitment of full acceptance in supporting, respecting, honouring and being non-judgemental about the client’s experience. In creating the Safe Space, the client will feel supported and encouraged by the ideal environment allowing the coaching alliance to commence with confidence. The Safe Space will also allow coaches to establish clear contracting with the client about the client’s agenda for the coaching session.
P – Perspective Taking
The client will now start to open up about the current situation and they may have the need to express themselves revealing multitudes of emotions and feelings. In order to establish trust and intimacy with the client, coaches need to effectively connect through Perspective Taking: being keen in discovering and understanding the client’s psychological
point of view or in other words having the ability to recognise the client’s world as their truth. Stay out of judgment when discovering and relating to client’s current circumstances, however, promote empathy by recognizing their emotions. This will deepen trust allowing coaches to stay curious and to explore deeper the underlying beliefs and values through active listening and powerful questioning. Be authentic and demonstrate warmth to strengthen emotional connections in engaging client so as to create an impactful Coaching Presence.
U – Unveil Insights
The clients’ view of their current state may be placing them at stuck moments searching for possibilities. Unveil insights and create awareness for clients by encouraging them to explore the range of ways when considering options and making choices. Support them by exercising different communication tools and methods such as using the power of visualization, challenging their assumptions, reframing perspective, metaphors, analogies, sharing observations and intuitions. These methods can unveil new learning and insights. Progress can be evident at this stage as client self-assess themselves by drawing attention to new insights and viewpoints. They may also envision an ideal outcome by designing new steps forward to create actions and possibilities.
R – Review & Reflection
In order to sharpen and strengthen client’s new learning and insights, the coach invites the client to review on the coaching discussions and support them in converting those discussions into decisions focusing on establishing strategies and action plans. Review the agenda again to check if it is align with the initial aim and set accountability as well as reflection on the learning takeaways to maximize success.
