A Coaching Model Created by Tracy Van Biljon
(Life and Empowerment Coach, SOUTH AFRICA)
The Pathfinder
Introduction
Arriving at this particular destination of carving out my Coaching Model has been a journey of self-discovery and learning. This learning has taken place through introspection, brainstorming, peer coaching, and the input of those closest to me, who know me best.
I started out studying Psychology and when I completed my degree, I thought it was necessary to do something practical and completed a Diploma in Public Relations. Contrary to my qualifications, I have been working in Corporate for 23 years, predominantly in Sales. Although I have had a successful corporate career, I have never felt truly fulfilled. This led me to some soul searching, some exploration and research, and ultimately to me completing this Coaching Model which will form part of my Coaching Certification and my “new path” in life.
As a result, I would like to help other women, who find themselves in the same or similar situations to “find their path” to start doing something that truly inspires and fulfills them. To be their “Pathfinder”.
Coaching Elements
My Coaching Identity
I believe that everybody has something special to offer the world. I believe that being happy and fulfilled with what you are doing daily makes a huge difference in every aspect of your life. My goal as a coach is to partner with my clients to find their path to happiness and fulfillment, whether it be a radical change in their lives, or whether it be a mindset change to view life positively, find the opportunities in their current situation, or to explore their potential. In Maya Angelou’s words,
The things you are passionate about are not random, they are your calling.
My Clients
My clients are predominantly women, possibly between the ages of 35 and 55, who are currently in a working environment in which they are not happy. The specific challenges that these women experience will be dependent on the particular situation, but some commonalities could include: feeling “stuck”, lack of motivation, lack of self-belief or confidence, worries about finance, fear of failure, or fear of moving out of their comfort zone. Sometimes it is just really a matter of not knowing what their passion or purpose is, and how to use their skills to translate this into a business opportunity.
My Path and Model
P – Present
This is all about understanding the present situation or now. To move forward, to make changes, to reach your goal, the client needs to fully understand their“now”. What is their current reality? The focus is on awareness and understanding of their current circumstances, their feelings and beliefs, their behaviors, and their values. The client becomes empowered through their understanding and self- awareness. This stage is about exploration and discovery and fully understanding the present to clearly define the path to the future.
A – Achieve
Now that the client has clarity on their “present”, what is it that they want to achieve in their future? What does this path from the now to the then look like? Often people have a clear idea of where they want to be and what they want to be doing and it is simply a matter of how to move from A to B. But just as often, it is a case of knowing that you are not happy with your current situation or position, but have no idea of the way forward. It could be a matter of finding ways or means to improve the current scenario or it could be that you would like to be doing something completely different, but you don’t know what that something is or where to begin to find that something.
This stage also involves exploration. It involves the client imagining themselves in their “happy space”. What does this look like, what does this feel like? Exploring options without limitations, looking at the “big picture”. Once the client knows what they want to achieve, what their end goal is, then they are ready to move to the next stop along their path which is “taking action”
T – Take Action
Many quotes speak to this third stop along the path, but one of my favorites is “A dream without a goal is just a wish. A goal without a plan is just a dream” – Author Unknown. Now that the client has explored the present and has increased self-awareness and fresh perspectives about their end goal, it is time to take action. Part of taking action is taking responsibility. As an example, many people complain about their jobs every single day but do not take responsibility to make a change, whether it is by gaining a new perspective or whether it is by taking action to change the actual job.
This stage also involves exploration in terms of evaluating the options identified and then developing a realistic plan of action that is measurable and time-specific.
H– Hone
The next stop along this path is called “hone”. Hone can be described as refining or perfecting “something” over a period of time. This is the time that the plan is reviewed and refined with the client. It would be important to discuss potential barriers as well as what support or resources the client may need. How will the client hold themselves accountable and what can I as their coach do to support their forward movement on this new path?
Conclusion
As “the Pathfinder”, my goal is to partner with my clients to help them find and achieve their “happy place”. I know what it is like to feel stuck, to be stressed, to repeat the same routine day in and day out without any hope of reprieve. My message is that there is hope, there is the possibility of change, of fulfillment. Sometimes all we need is the support to take that first step on the path to doing what truly inspires us.
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis