A Coaching Model Created by Sheila Holder
(Life Coach, BERMUDA)
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Lao Tzu
Steps Model
Start with focus
Travel Light
Explore the pathway
Purposeful progression
Strategize forward
The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Although this is the popular translation of this quotation, a more correct translation from the original Chinese would be; the journey of a thousand miles begins where you stand. This quote is a depiction of my coaching philosophy. Simply put, a journey takes you from point A to point B. The coaching process moves the client from where he presently is, where he or she stands, to where he or she desires to be. Coaching is an action-oriented, future focused process that is positive and emotionally healthy between the coach and the client. The coach through supportive behaviors creates a safe space for the client to discover their best self.
My coaching model contains the elements of a journey. There are five steps in the model. When a client engages a coach they are making a decision to embark on an impactful journey. With the skillful guidance and support of the coach the client will discover their purpose and potential, overcome their obstacles, defeat their fears, accept challenges and reach their goals and objectives (destination). The participants feel more motivated, valued and complete. They are ready to move forward confidently in the “direction of their dreams”
This model will suit both the long term coaching process and individual sessions.
Start with focus,
Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it.
The client and coach set out on an exciting adventure. Remember the first step in the coaching journey begins where the client stands. The journey is filled with anticipation and expectancy. The client and coach establish rapport and trust. They share passions. The client is ready to embrace new and fulfilling experiences. The parameters of the coaching journey are set. They will establish expectations for their roles. It is here that the foundation for the coaching relationship is formed and the client reveals how he wants to be coached while the coach also lays out his model (map for the journey).
Travel light.
He would travel happily must travel light. Antoine de Saint Exupery
When traveling we often over pack our luggage. Many times we don’t use half of what we bring along for the trip. So in life we tend to carry around too much baggage. In this step the client is encouraged to only take what they will need for your journey- love, self-awareness, They are encouraged not to crowd their life will worry, fear, doubt, delay or anxiety but to allow themselves space to grow and pick up treasures (confidence, self awareness,) to enhance their potential. Together the coach and client will strip away non-essentials. In this step the client will pack binoculars to more clearly envision where they want to go and articulate their vision for success.
Explore the paths.
You are on the right path because you are on your own path.
The strategic work is done in this step. Clients will discover who they really are. Clients will get crystal clear on their life purpose. They will find their own voice and speak their own truth. They will clarify their values and set goals and objectives, or the current propriety to be achieved. In this space they can uncover those long forgotten dreams and give them wings and make courageous goals. They will set the target. They are now ready for the next step.
Position Yourself for Purposeful Movement
“When you do what you love, the seemingly impossible becomes simply challenging, the laborious becomes purposeful resistance, and the difficult loses its edge and is trampled by your progress.” Steve Maraboli
Here in this space clients will shift perspective. They will solicit and suggest options for their success. Set the target. They take bold steps actions. They will trust their intuition. Gather hope and inspiration, and ask to be held accountable. They will make commitments and clarify their actions.
Strategize forward
The biggest risk is not taking ant risk…in a world that’s changing really quickly, the only strategy that is guaranteed to fail is not taking risks. Mark Zuckerberg
At this step the client is well on the path to success, having defined what success is to him or her. She/he is reaching courageous bold goals and setting new extraordinary ones. They are making transforming decisions. The clients are focusing on performance and outcomes. They dream, take risks, fail and get up again. They strategize forward. They are embracing the journey, feeling the exhilaration of success and confidence. Commitment, implementation and self-generated solutions are a part of the process. Clients have deepened their knowledge and enhanced their quality of life.