A Coaching Model Created by Sumbo Ndi
(Empowerment Coaching, AUSTRALIA)
Some dictionary meaning of the word CLARIFY are
It is evident from the meaning of the word CLARIFY that in order to make something clear, a process and action is involved. There is a process and action involved in making something understandable, removing confusion and uncertainty. The CLARIFY to SUCCEED coaching model in the same way is a process that we take a client through to help them in clarifying their intentions, expectations, goals, underlying beliefs and explore the steps and actions that needs to be taken in order to move forward.
This is aimed at bringing about the clarity of purpose and intentions and the desired outcomes. It starts with having the “END/DESTINATION” in mind. It will get client to think about the challenge they might be going through and how you can work through it using this model to achieve the set expectation. The challenge could be in any area such as personal life, career, business, relationships etc.
It will help the client to tap into the resources that they already have within them but perhaps is not obvious to them, it will help the client to explore their underlying beliefs, strengths and weaknesses and importantly their uniqueness.
It will also create awareness about the fact that all of these factors have an impact on how the client will SUCCEED in various situations or aspects of their lives.
The Process
The CLARIFY to SUCCEED coaching model involves a 7 step process. Each letter of the word CLARIFY represents a step in the process as described below.
Clear expectation
The coaching process will start by asking the client to set a clear expectation of what they want to get out of the coaching process. This we describe as – starting with the “END/DESTINATION” in mind. This is about establishing the outcome that the client wants to get out of the coaching process.
Knowing where you are going is very important and useful because it will make you better prepared for the journey. This will help with selecting the right tools, vehicle and materials required. It will also serve as a point of reference to inform the client that they are on track or going off course.
This involves a choice to look within to find out what we really and truly want as opposed to what just looks/sounds good.
The expectation could be as big and long term as dreams, aspirations or as simple and short term as what you want to get out of a 10 minutes meeting with a manager. Knowing where you want to go is a critical key to success because everything else that you do will be determined by your intended destination.
Locate Where You Are
After the client have established their expectation or where they want to get to. We will then determine their present location relative to their destination. This is where we establish what the their current situation is like or the issues that they want to work through.
During this process, we will acknowledge the clients for whatever they have been able to achieve so far and also encourage them to celebrate their wins. This will be a resource that they can draw on to help motivate them to get through their new challenges or goals.
Analyse the Gaps
During this process, we will explore what constitute the ‘gap’ between their present location and their destination. The gaps could represent whatever is holding them back or their ‘stoppers’ – things that get them stuck. This might include limiting underlying beliefs, fear, lack of confidence, lack of resources, unwillingness to change, lack of support etc.
Redefine Goals
We will explore what the client need to start doing differently that will start moving them from their present location towards their destination. This process will involve analysing the client’s values, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT analysis). We will also establish the resources that are available to the client that can help the client move forward.
Goals will be set ensuring that they are aligned with client’s strengths and values. Importantly, the goals have to be SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Timely) taking into account the “END/DESTINATION”.
Intentional Commitment to Action
Without action, goals are just what they are, ‘goals’, they will not turn into reality and nothing will change. During this process we will work with the client to set up action steps that has to be taken for the change to occur. We will also reiterate to the client that they are responsible for the outcomes and that will largely depend on them taking action as planned. In order to achieve results and move forward, the client is encouraged to intentionally make commitments about the actions that they need to take and they will also be held accountable. Taking action is the only way they can move forward.
Focus and Follow through
Once the client has committed to taking action, we will encourage them to stay focused and follow through on the actions. This is taking into consideration the fact that people often start to do something but get weary or lose focus along the way and they stop doing what they have planned to do. Here, the client is encouraged to celebrate small wins and acknowledge themselves as this will help them to stay motivated.
Your authentic self and life
Being your authentic self and living your authentic life starts when your goals and actions are aligned with your values and who you are. A fulfilled life is a sum total of the journey of discovering and living to your full potential.
This is about encouraging the client to continue to embrace their uniqueness, stretch themselves, and believe in themselves.
To be their authentic self at any point in time is subject to the knowledge and awareness of their values, what is important to them, what they are capable of, the available resources and the willingness to take action. They will also be encouraged to re-CLARIFY at any time as their awareness increases because their best self today might not be good enough for another time. Improvement is a continuous process and it is expected that clients will become competent in self-observation and will be able to make necessary adjustments along the way independently of the coach.
This is what the CLARIFY to SUCCEED coaching model sets to achieve with our clients. – to unleash the power within them to maximise their potential and live their life on purpose.
Practical Application
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Businesses
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Executives
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Finances
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Individuals
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Leaders
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Parents
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Relationships
- CLARIFY to SUCCEED for Youths/Young adults
Fulfilled purpose is a sum total of the journey of discovering and living to your full potential – Enjoy the journey–Sumbo Ndi