A Coaching Model Created by Rajesh Vaidya
(Transformational Coaching, ROMANIA)
Preview:
“Authenticity” is being true to one’s own personality, character, deeper values and beliefs, despite external pressures. It is referred to as complete alignment of one’s beliefs, values emotions and actions.
There are forces like social norms, perceived or real rewards or reprimand, hierarchy of external validation etc. which shape one’s behavior and actions in the society. The way an individual behaves and act may not be congruent with one’s inner world. And this in-congruence or lack of alignment invariably puts conflict in one’s mind. And as this inner conflict persists and grows in strength and size, it stars feeding on energy of the individual, which otherwise could be channelized for other creative and developmental pursuits.
Authenticity Anchored Coaching Model” primarily deals with the following:
(i) It creates a safe space for the client to look at one’s life issues ‘as they are’
(ii) It encourages client to stay in the space of exploration and discovery as opposed to putting undue pressure of achievement and outcome in the sense of problem solving or solution finding. It believes that solution and subsequent action plan is an outcome of a comprehensive exploration and diagnosis.
(iii) It encourages client’s journey in one’s own awareness in the shining light of his/her own authenticity.
(iv) Authenticity anchored coaching believes that coaching journey carried within the space and spirit of Authenticity opens up deeper transformational possibilities. Authenticity enhances self- awareness, strengthens ownership/accountability and accelerates client’s ‘move-forward’ journey. It brings about a different degree of self-acceptance, confidence and character – unique to Client’s own individuality- and that can be incredibly powerful.
Right at the beginning i.e. at pre-contracting, discovery session coach states and clarifies above characteristics of the model in terms of beliefs and process, upfront with the client.
Some clients may not be comfortable with the idea of stepping into one’s authenticity, as they may be apprehensive about what they might see or feels. Coach acknowledges such or similar concern if expressed by the client and states that coaching journey is about expanding awareness, growth and evolution. Client may make a conscious choice of not making certain areas accessible, even to self. Coach would bring to the awareness of the client that it would continue to block client’s energies and limit the process of reaching one’s fullest potential. Coach assures that as a coach, he would act in the best interest of the client.
If an agreement is reached to take the coaching relationship forward, the process begins.
The Model:
2.1.Authenticity
Authenticity acts as a substratum as well as space pervading the coaching process. It encourages client to see things as they are, establishes connects with the deeper values and brings about clarity in client’s thinking process and subsequent actions.
Authenticity is consciously invoked through Powerful Questions and Visualization.
Illustrative questions/techniques as below:
Visualization- Imagine a circle of Energy. This is the Energy of your True Authenticity. I invite you to step inside- it is the circle of your Authentic Self- This is the space of your Personal Power- what decision would you make here? It is different than the one you’d make outside of it? What is different? Which decision would you rather choose?
Authenticity is specifically emphasized or referred to in the situations of doubt, value conflict, making choices, choosing between two important values etc.
In terms of outcome and learning, coaching journey is innately positive, energizing and creative.
For greater awareness, clarity and insights, client may need to work at deeper, fundamental levels. And it is not an easy process. Client may encounter strong feelings of fear, anger, denial, question marks, uneasiness, confusion- and these are inevitable phases of the journey.
There is a powerful metaphorical story in Hindu Mythology on exploring depths of one’s consciousness.
As the story of churning the ocean goes- Once upon a time, Demi Gods and Demons churned the ocean of primordial existence to get precious jewels and nectar of immortality. The task was gigantic, involved extraordinary labor and the process of churning brought out deadly poison before jewels and nectar surfaced. Having committed themselves to the task of finding unprecedented riches and nectar of immortality, they also had to endure the unpleasant and toxic poison, which they were never prepared for.
In the coaching situation, when client is exploring one’s conscious and subconscious mind, pulls and pushes, courage and fears, it is likely that one encounters some uncomfortable aspects about oneself.
Authenticity provides safety anchor during such turbulent phases.
It also guides the process to move forward with renewed strength and learning.
2.2 Agenda:
Client brings agenda to coaching session in the form of personal vision, aspirations or goals.
Coach honors Client’s agenda, contracts the Long Term or Short Term-session specific objectives and starts working with the Client.
Coach shares the central belief of Authenticity in every step of the coaching journey.
Clarification of the agenda, building greater awareness around what it means to the Client , what would be of greater value to the Client in future are the primary focus areas of Agenda stage.
Agenda stating questions- some are illustrated as below:
2.3 Exploration:
Exploration is a fascinating process which gets into clarification of Feelings, Values, Awareness, and Beliefs in context of the agenda brought into the coaching session.
Exploration can go very deep within client’s conscious/subconscious awareness. At times, there could be uncomfortable or even scary moments. Coach creates and reminds the Client that it is a safe space to explore and reassures of Coach’s presence with the Client.
Exploration often means venturing into unchartered territories. Faith in the spirit of authenticity, allowing ‘Purpose’ , ‘Goal’ or ‘Agenda’ to lead the way, respecting In-tuition and reflecting on what one ‘sees’, ‘feels’, and ‘hears’ during the exploration are the hallmarks of this stage
Illustrative Exploration questions:
Visualization- Imagine that you are moving through the situation/people. What do you see? Supposing that you do not have any stake in the situation, what would be the most appropriate decision/choice in your opinion?
2.4 Discovery:
Discovery is the phase when something important is found. It can be a flash of insight, coming face to face with a deep rooted belief, finding some causal relationship, some path getting clearer, new perspective getting added which suddenly completes the jig-saw-puzzle.
Discovery could also mean knowing about one’s ignorance, coming in touch with one’s deeper calling, suppressed values or desires.
Discovery could be in term of some hidden talent; it could be in terms of some unfulfilled relationship which needs to be responded to.
Discovery phase could be emotionally charged or intellectually stimulating. Coach acknowledges and respects its ‘electric’ nature and facilitates client converting this energy into Learning and Action.
Questions /statements during Discovery phase:
2.5 Learning:
Learning is about reflection, contemplation, assimilation of ‘that-something-valuable’, discovered in the earlier stages.
Coach keenly understands the preferred learning style of the Client and facilitates learning process to be more effective.
At this stage, Learning and Action goes hand-in-hand. Learning happens through adherence that Client displays to one’s committed action plan. It involves reflecting on gaps between desired versus what really happened.
Learning and Action often work as testing new hypothesis in terms of new habit or behavior, checking its success, going back to drawing board if need be, acting again and validating. Learning and Action stages become more of cyclical for a brief period of time.
Learning Questions:
2.6 Action:
Action is where the Commitment is tested and Accountability comes to the fore with prominence.
Coach facilitates creation of clarifying goals, action plans and strategies, supporting structure that Client designs for oneself to internalize new learning and behavior.
Compliance or adherence to the action plan may not be easy. Routine rut of life, competing pressures on time, some unplanned event …there could myriads of reason to take client’s focus away from action.
In such situations, Coach Keeps bringing back Client’s awareness and focus on action. Coach holds Client vision and accountability that Client promised to one-self.
Discarding of dysfunctional/dis-empowering structures, creation of new structures, testing their effectiveness redesigning/modification, follow up on the actions, ‘Say-Do’ ratio assessment, feedback are some of the highlights of this phase.
Action Questions/comments:
2.6 Transformation:
Transformation is the stage where Client has fully internalized the change at deeper levels. New beliefs, values and perceptions have become and integrated part of personality.
There is congruence between new beliefs, values, images and actions and Client is comfortable with this renewal.
Coach facilitates anchoring this shift in awareness.
Questions at Transformation stage:
This is the stage of celebration.
And this is the stage where coaching relationship comes to an end.
This is the time when Client and Coach part ways.
Client walks away as a fulfilled individual.
As Client’s success is the very reason and purpose of Coaching process, Coach’s fulfillment, learning and transformation is an inevitable and inseparable outcome.
Rajesh Vaidya
Date: 29-March-14, Bucharest, Romania
Acknowledgements:
Coaching Conversations for Transformational Change- L. Michael Hall with Michelle Duval & Robert Dilts
Create a World that Works- Alan Seale
Co-Active Coaching- Laura Whitworth, Henry Kimsey-House and Phil Sandahl