Coaching supports meaningful change. Often creating change is facilitated by specific techniques and / or tools. Coaches learn a multitude of different techniques during coach training. By using the techniques, the coach models them for their client. Often the coaches share what they are doing, being completely transparent about the technique. As a result clients learn many of the techniques and in turn apply them in different situations.
For example, imagine a client is dealing with a major conflict. In coach training at the Center for Coaching Certification, the process for managing conflict is taught. So a trained coach, in support of the client, uses the techniques and process to frame questions for the client. Specifically, the Coach will first ask the client to describe what is happening now. Then, the coach will ask, how would the person you are in conflict with describe it? Then the coach will have the client list all of the issues both from their perspective and what they think the other person would say. The coach then works with the client to brainstorm multiple options. During the brainstorming, the coach asks them what options they think the other person might suggest too. After that, the coach asks the client which of the options will work for everyone. Finally, the coach asks the client for their action steps. Ideally the client has new awareness of different perspectives plus of different options. The client may apply the conflict management approach modeled by the coach in developing their strategy too. The client and the coach may talk through the specific steps of this technique so the client is prepared for using the steps in their conversation with the other person.
This is just one example of how techniques are utilized by the coach for the coaching process and these techniques are in turn used by the client as they apply their strategies. What is another example you can share?
