The SUMMIT Coaching Model

A Coaching Model By Warren Dix, Organizational and Personal Change Coach, NETHERLANDS

The SUMMIT Model Is Reiterative

The “SUMMIT” coaching model captures the essence of transformation, personal growth, and evolving perspectives through the metaphor of mountain climbing. By incorporating these references, the model guides individuals on their journey of change, helping them navigate challenges, embrace growth, and reach new heights in their personal and professional lives.

Incorporating the SUMMIT coaching model into your approach to change will help you navigate the difficulties while embracing the growth potential. Remember, like climbing a mountain, change may be arduous, but with the right mindset and approach, you can achieve remarkable heights of personal and professional growth.

Focusing on transformation, personal growth, and changing perspectives, the SUMMIT coaching model takes on a richer and more nuanced approach to navigating change and embracing growth. As you embark on your journey, remember that just as the landscape transforms as you climb higher, so too does your understanding of yourself and the world around you.

The SUMMIT model is reiterative. Each phase of our lives can be likened to another mountain to climb. Some mountains are more treacherous, more difficult, and have higher summits. Other mountains are less steep and not very high. We choose the mountains we wish to climb and what we want to achieve. Mountains typically are linked as mountain ranges, enabling the climber to switch to another mountain they wish to aspire to even greater heights. Similarly in life, even though the past has molded who we are in our present state, we still get to choose how we move forward, and which mountain we choose to climb. Each new phase we start at the base, but we work our way to triumph at the summit.

SUMMIT Coaching Model

S – Start at the Base:

Every climber embarks on their journey from the base of the mountain, just as every change begins with a starting point. Recognize that transformation is a process, and growth takes time. Like ascending a mountain, the higher you climb, the broader your perspective becomes. When you welcome a growth mindset you acknowledge that change is a journey of evolving perspectives. Prepare yourself mentally for the challenges ahead by breaking down your objectives into manageable steps. Visualize success at the summit and let that vision drive your actions.

U – Uncover Hidden Potential:

Climbing a mountain reveals more of the landscape with each step higher. Similarly, the journey of change uncovers new perspectives and insights. Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and growth. Just as a mountaineer faces unpredictable weather, anticipate ups and downs in your change journey. Each obstacle you overcome shapes your character and strengthens your capabilities. Embrace change not only for its external outcomes but for the internal transformation it brings, helping you become the best version of yourself.

M – Make Incremental Progress:

Ascending a mountain involves taking one step at a time, each revealing more of the landscape. The landscape has always been there you just need to climb to that part of the mountain to see it. Likewise, change occurs through incremental steps as well as exploring more about yourself. Acknowledge that the path may not always be straightforward and celebrate the progress you make along the way. Each step forward widens your perspective, inspiring you to climb higher and enabling you to inspire others by sharing your journey. Just as a tree grows one ring at a time, personal growth happens step by step. Each milestone achieved represents a ring of growth within you, reminding you of the progress you’ve made and the potential ahead.

M – Maintain Resilience:

The path to the summit is filled with obstacles, much like the journey of change. Anticipate setbacks and detours but remain committed to moving forward. As you approach the summit, challenges may intensify, but the rewards become clearer. Similarly, as you near the completion of your change journey, expect growth and fulfillment. Embrace lessons learned and recognize that overcoming challenges demonstrates your resilience and commitment. Maintain a growth mindset and view failures as opportunities to learn and improve.

I – Illuminate New Perspectives:

As a kaleidoscope reveals various patterns and colors with each turn, your perspective evolves throughout your change journey. Embrace the uncertainty, as changing perspectives lead to learning, adaptation, and growth. Keep moving forward even when the path seems unclear, knowing that each step enhances your understanding. Embrace change as an ongoing evolution of self, allowing you to see the world and yourself in new and transformative ways.

T – Triumph at the Summit:

Reaching the summit is a testament to your determination and growth. Just as a climber achieves victory at the peak, your change journey culminates in triumph. As you stand at the summit of your growth, reflect on the obstacles you’ve overcome and the transformation you’ve experienced. Celebrate your success while acknowledging that the journey doesn’t end here. Carry your newfound perspectives, resilience, and growth forward into the next chapter of your life. The next chapter could be a new challenge, a new mountain.

Applying the SUMMIT Model Principles and Techniques

The reiterative process of applying the SUMMIT model principles and techniques consistently enables you to use the experiences and lessons learned to enable you to climb more mountains quicker and to new heights. Change is inevitable, regardless of whether it is a change outside of your control or a change you desire and seek for your personal growth. When you apply a growth mindset to change, you will always peak at the summit.