In
2003 we began developing a model of coaching styles. With the
coaching industry rapidly expanding, we felt it would be valuable
to create a model of the many different styles of coaching that
can be used in interventions. We also wanted to distil the distinctives
of coaching from other disciplines such as mentoring, consultancy,
therapy and counselling.
Our
aims were
-
To
create a generic model of coaching styles
-
To
enable coaches to understand the appropriate styles for appropriate
client contexts
-
To
explore the conceptual boundaries between coaching and other
disciplines such as therapy
What
we developed was the Coaching Signatures model.
The
Coaching Signatures model looks at seven dimensions
of coaching:
-
Front
and back stage coaching
-
Proactivity
-
Flexibility
-
Drive
for change
-
Warmth
or empathy
-
Processing
-
Control
From
these seven dimensions, the model generates, among other things,
eight different 'codes' of coaching style.
The
model classifies coaches NOT by their single style, but by the
range of styles they are able to use appropriately.
In other words, it considers the coaches MOBILITY across the range
of styles.
We
call the range of styles a coach uses their 'Coaching
Signature' .
Using
our proprietary web-based software system Arena , we
can analyse a coach's Coaching Signature by simulating
different coaching contexts and testing which style the coach
would use in each.
The
analysis of their Coaching Signature assists the coach
in
-
Mapping
their unique approach to coaching
-
Matching
more accurately the needs of their clients
-
Developing
greater mobility in the styles they can use
-
Appreciating
styles and coaching situations they are not suited to
The
Coaching Signature model can also help in the supervision
process by increasing the coach's awareness of their styles, limitations
and personal approach.
The
model uses the same conceptual language as the Personal Ecology
Profile , so that that the systems can reinforce each other.
In this way the impact of personality on Coaching Signature
can be assessed.
The
Coaching Signature model and tool is exclusively licensed in the UK to the Coaching Supervision Consultancy in:
