Coaching Tools and Techniques
Expert-defined terms from the Certificate in Relationship Coaching course at London School of Planning and Management. Free to read, free to share, paired with a globally recognised certification pathway.
**ABC model** #
**ABC model**
Concept #
A model used in coaching to help individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Explanation #
The ABC model stands for Activating event, Belief, and Consequence. The activating event is a trigger that leads to a belief, which then results in a consequence (emotional or behavioral response). By understanding this model, individuals can learn to identify and challenge their limiting beliefs, which can lead to more positive emotional and behavioral outcomes.
Example #
John's boss criticized his work (Activating event). John believes that he is not good enough for the job (Belief). As a consequence, John feels anxious and unmotivated (Consequence).
Practical application #
Use the ABC model to help clients identify and challenge their limiting beliefs. Encourage clients to explore alternative beliefs and consequences.
Challenge #
Help clients understand that their beliefs, not the activating events themselves, drive their emotional and behavioral responses.
**Active listening** #
**Active listening**
Concept #
A communication technique used in coaching to fully concentrate, understand, respond and memorize the client's words.
Explanation #
Active listening involves giving the client your undivided attention, using verbal and nonverbal cues to convey understanding, and reflecting back what the client has said to ensure accuracy. This technique helps build trust, fosters a deeper understanding of the client's perspective, and encourages open communication.
Example #
A coach uses active listening by nodding, maintaining eye contact, and paraphrasing what the client has said to ensure understanding.
Practical application #
Practice active listening by focusing on the client's words, using verbal and nonverbal cues to convey understanding, and reflecting back what the client has said.
Challenge #
Avoid interrupting the client or forming a response while they are speaking.
**Circle of concern and influence** #
**Circle of concern and influence**
Concept #
A tool used in coaching to help individuals distinguish between what they can and cannot control.
Explanation #
The circle of concern and influence is a visual tool that divides an individual's concerns into two categories: what they can control (the circle of influence) and what they cannot control (the circle of concern). By focusing on the circle of influence, individuals can take action to address their concerns and make positive changes in their lives.
Example #
A client is concerned about their partner's infidelity (circle of concern) but can take action to improve communication and build trust in the relationship (circle of influence).
Practical application #
Use the circle of concern and influence to help clients identify areas where they can take action and make positive changes.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to focus on what they can control and let go of what they cannot.
**Decision #
making model**
Concept #
A model used in coaching to help individuals make informed and thoughtful decisions.
Explanation #
The decision-making model is a structured approach that helps individuals identify their options, evaluate the consequences, and make a decision based on their values and goals. This model can help clients make difficult decisions and reduce anxiety and uncertainty.
Example #
A coach uses the decision-making model to help a client decide between two job offers by identifying the pros and cons of each option.
Practical application #
Use the decision-making model to help clients make informed and thoughtful decisions.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to consider all options and evaluate the consequences before making a decision.
**Emotional intelligence** #
**Emotional intelligence**
Concept #
The ability to understand, use, and manage one's own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.
Explanation #
Emotional intelligence is a set of skills that helps individuals understand and manage their emotions and respond to the emotions of others. This skill is crucial for building positive relationships, resolving conflicts, and making effective decisions.
Example #
A coach with high emotional intelligence can recognize and respond to a client's emotions, which can help build trust and foster a deeper understanding.
Practical application #
Practice emotional intelligence by developing self-awareness, social awareness, self-management, and relationship management skills.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to recognize and manage their emotions in positive ways.
**Feedback model** #
**Feedback model**
Concept #
A model used in coaching to provide constructive and specific feedback to clients.
Explanation #
The feedback model is a structured approach that involves providing specific, timely, and constructive feedback to clients. This model can help clients identify areas for improvement, set goals, and make positive changes.
Example #
A coach uses the feedback model to provide constructive feedback to a client about their communication style.
Practical application #
Use the feedback model to provide specific, timely, and constructive feedback to clients.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to seek and accept feedback as a means of growth and development.
**Goal #
setting theory**
Concept #
A theory used in coaching to help individuals set and achieve their goals.
Explanation #
Goal-setting theory posits that specific, challenging, and measurable goals can motivate individuals to take action and achieve their desired outcomes. This theory can help clients set meaningful and achievable goals and develop action plans to reach them.
Example #
A coach uses goal-setting theory to help a client set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for their relationship.
Practical application #
Use goal-setting theory to help clients set specific, challenging, and measurable goals.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to develop action plans and hold themselves accountable for achieving their goals.
**GROW model** #
**GROW model**
Concept #
A model used in coaching to help individuals set and achieve their goals.
Explanation #
The GROW model stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. This model is a structured approach that helps clients set specific, measurable, and achievable goals, assess their current reality, explore their options, and develop action plans to reach their goals.
Example #
A coach uses the GROW model to help a client set a goal to improve their communication skills, assess their current reality, explore their options, and develop an action plan to reach their goal.
Practical application #
Use the GROW model to help clients set and achieve their goals.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to take action and hold themselves accountable for achieving their goals.
**Motivational interviewing** #
**Motivational interviewing**
Concept #
A client-centered counseling style for eliciting behavior change by helping clients to explore and resolve ambivalence.
Explanation #
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative conversation style that helps clients explore and resolve their ambivalence about behavior change. This approach can help clients build motivation, set goals, and take action to make positive changes.
Example #
A coach uses motivational interviewing to help a client explore their ambivalence about improving their communication skills.
Practical application #
Use motivational interviewing to help clients build motivation, set goals, and take action to make positive changes.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to take an active role in the coaching process and explore their ambivalence about behavior change.
**Narrative coaching** #
**Narrative coaching**
Concept #
A coaching approach that uses storytelling to help clients understand and make sense of their experiences.
Explanation #
Narrative coaching is a coaching approach that uses storytelling to help clients understand and make sense of their experiences. This approach can help clients identify patterns, explore alternative narratives, and make positive changes.
Example #
A coach uses narrative coaching to help a client tell the story of their relationship and identify patterns of behavior.
Practical application #
Use narrative coaching to help clients understand and make sense of their experiences.
Challenge #
Encourage clients to explore alternative narratives and consider new perspectives.
**OARS model** #
**OARS model**
Concept #
A model used in coaching to help individuals build rapport, explore their thoughts and feelings, and develop action plans.
Explanation #
The OARS model stands for Open questions, Affirmations, Reflections, and Summaries. This model is a structured approach that helps coaches build rapport, explore clients' thoughts and feelings, and develop action plans.
Example #
A coach uses the OARS model to help a client explore their thoughts and feelings