A Coaching Model Created by Natraj Vaddadi
(Performance Improvement Coach, INDIA)

rise above the ordinary…

Aadhini in Sanskrit means:

to rise above the ordinary measure.

Keeping this in mind, the Aadhini coaching model inspires and provides a framework to the clients to achieve greater heights at the work place and in the personal life. It is a model that enables progressive growth and enhancement in performance

The International Coach Federation defines coaching in the following way:

Professional coaches provide an ongoing partnership designed to help clients produce fulfilling results in their personal and professional lives.

Coaches:

help people improve their performances and enhance the quality of their lives.

The Aadhini coaching model is a seven step/stage model to bring about personal growth and well being. The Aadhini Model is based on the premise that irrespective of where the client is, there is always room for improvement. The analogy is that of a high jumper who keeps raising the bar with every jump to achieve something which was better than the previous. At the workplace, the same philosophy can be used to drive performance improvements like efficiency and productivity.

The model is presented below:

The seven stages or aspects of the continuum are explained in detail below.

A

Assess & Agree

At the beginning the continuum starts with an assessment of the client requirements and an agreement on what the client wants from the coaching relationship. This is the stage where the space is provided to the clients to explore themselves in a safe comfortable environment. This is the beginning of the coaching relationship and hence very important for trust to be being established between the coach and the client

A

Acknowledge / Align

This stage sees the alignment of the client values and creating an awareness of the self. Here the coach encourages the client to step out and explore his own beliefs and values. The coach helps the client to acknowledge the current reality, strengths, hurdles and any underlying beliefs.

This is also the stage where the coach helps the client to recognize and acknowledge the present reality. The coach also acknowledges the client for his/her strengths and helps creates a sense of self belief and encourages the client to take a step forward.

D

Define Outcomes / Desired reality

This is the stage where the client envisions his /her own dream and builds the goals around his/her own values. Essentially this stage is about defining the purpose, vision and goals of the client. Here the coach supports the client to define life goals and build the required outcomes and define the desired reality. The first step towards formulating structures and devising action plans is also a part of this stage. Here the client is also encouraged to take ownership, responsibility and be accountable for his own goals.

H

Harmonize / Highlight

In this stage the client is encouraged to harmonize the action plan with reality and focus on the outcome. Here the action steps, self limiting beliefs, behaviors and emotions and likely obstacles are highlighted. In this stage, the coach motivates the client to take the next step forward with confidence and make a commitment to his goals. He encourages the client to make a shift towards the positive and harness positive energies to reach his goals

I

Identify action steps / Initiate action.

This is the execution or action stage, where the plans are converted into actions. This stage is about taking action, actions which lead to success. The coach helps the client to work on breaking the goals into smaller tasks and clear time bound actions.
He may direct the client to „Self directed learning‟ and encourage the client to develop a „self development plan‟ to ensure action.

N

Navigate / Negotiate

Once the goals are set and outcomes defined, it is essential for the client to move forward step by step and achieve the milestones. During the journey, the client may face road-blocks or obstacles leading to self-doubt. At this point the coach works with the client to navigate around the obstacles. He helps the client navigate through the difficult spots, continuously emphasizing the need to focus on the outcomes to do this, the coach reviews the plan constantly, helps build structures, review what‟s working and what is not.

Here the coach may use various power tools and resources to move the client forward and reach the desired outcomes. The coach may highlight the need to negotiate an action plan from an original perspective and choice of different practices to ensure the move forward.

I

Integrate / Imbibe

This is the stage where the client is encouraged to acknowledge the journey and achievement of outcomes. An important aspect of this stage is, for the coach to encourage the client to imbibe the lessons from the journey, and integrate the information learned and move forward to the next level. This is also the stage where the coach emphasizes the importance of celebrating the wins and also inspires the client to move forward and higher in the journey

Within the overall framework of the Aadhini model, the actual coaching process includes four steps highlighted by the acronym ALFA. ALFA stands for Ask, Listen, provide Feedback and take Action. This process which is the core of a coaching session helps build the Trust and move the client towards reaching the defined outcomes

In conclusion the basic premise of the model is working within the framework of ethical guide lines and professional standards. An essential part of this is the all encompassing factor of „Trust’. This comes out of providing a safe confidential working space where the client can explore all the elements of their own self leading to self-awareness and taking action.