A Coaching Model Created by Jitendra Kumar Joshi
(Life Coaching, India)
I know that I have the ability to achieve the object of my Definite Purpose in life, therefore, I demand of myself persistent, continuous action toward its attainment, and I here and now promise to render such action. ~ Napoleon Hill
The ACTION coaching model is based on the premises that a positive thought itself is not enough until we do something about it. It may do rather harm than good if it is just sitting in our head. However if acted upon it could make people’s life much better and meaningful. The ACTION coaching model aligns with GROW model and maps with ICF competencies. It is intended to be a living document and the processes and methods will be refined and improved continuously over a period of time.
Access Current Situation:
This is the first step in this coaching model where the coach accesses the current state of the client. This is where foundation for a trusting relationship is laid out so it is important to make a person-to-person connection with the coachee before jumping into the issues. As the client talks about their situation in terms of problems, issues, roadblocks they express their emotions. It is important for the coach to understand those emotions and clarify the situation by paying close attention to the coachee’s choice of words, the reasoning and the underlying beliefs and assumptions. The coach summarizes and reiterates the client’s situation as it comes out back to them so that they are able to see the values and beliefs they carry that underpin the situation.
ICF Competencies Used: Ethical Guidelines, Coaching Agreement, Establishing Trust, Coaching Presence, Active Listening
Clarify Goals
At this stage the coach invites the coachee to articulate and explore their reasons and goals for coaching. It is important to explore if the stated goal is really what the client is aiming at and there isn ́t an “underlying goal” that he or she may be missing. The coach here clarifies what kind of world view the coachee has, what motivates them, what they want to achieve and what they value.
ICF Competencies Used: Coaching Presence, Active Listening, Powerful Questioning
Trigger thought process
The ancestor of every action is a though. As the conversation progresses the coach triggers client’s thought process through powerful questioning to help them attain deeper self-awareness. With greater self-awareness the coachee has the opportunity to look at the situation from multiple perspectives which presents them choices to connect with their inner power and strength. With these insights they start noticing options and possibilities.
ICF Competencies Used: Active Listening, Powerful Questioning, Direct Communication, Creating Awareness
Inspire
to plan and act – Once the client has got insights into the world of possibilities it is the time to put them into action. The coach supports the client by encouraging him to create a time bound action plan with ownership and accountability and also help them to determine what support and resources they may need along the way. The coach also encourages the client to plan how they will celebrate the success along the way.
ICF Competencies Used: Direct Communication, Creating Awareness, Designing Actions, Creating Structure
Observe the progress: The coach needs to closely observe the progress client is making towards their goals and how motivated they are. He needs to cheer them up through ups and downs and encourage the momentum by every effort made and progress achieved by the client. If they are stuck or are off-track, the coach needs to support them to identify and overcome any obstacles and take necessary steps to re-focus their energy. Also, many a times as we grow and change our goals also may evolve and change. The coach needs to support the client to observe the changes and re-access the plan as needed.
ICF Competencies Used: Managing Progress and Accountability
Nurture
the vision: How do the clients sustain success? The coach needs to inspire them to look at their journey as an upward spiral of growth, transcending beyond the present capacity. He needs to provide enough encouragement and help them to build and maintain a supportive and acknowledging environment that will nurture their dream.
ICF Competencies Used: Managing Progress and Accountability