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Examples of “thinking partnerships”
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTIONCASE STUDY: WHAT ONE THING COULD YOU DO TODAY?
THE SITUATION
THE CONVERSATION
REFLECTION
CASE STUDY: WHAT IS YOUR VISION
THE SITUATION
THE CONVERSATION
REFLECTION
CASE STUDY: WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION
THE SITUATION
THE CONVERSATION
REFLECTION
CONTACT
INTRODUCTION
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The case studies below are shared partly as an explanation and example of the “thinking partnerships” that we have, and also because these conversations although unique are not unusual and there may be things noted here that are useful for you, the reader.
I am ambivalent about sharing coaching narratives. The aim is not to promote or “show-off”, but instead to share and hopefully be of value and perhaps invite feedback, insights, experience and recommendations. There is no consistent approach to these. I do not slavishly follow the GROW model or indeed any other particular of prescriptive coaching methodology, but instead follow the clients thinking and ways of perceiving.
However it would be wrong to say that the coaching method is without thought. You may be interested to read about 10 different approaches to coaching which have informed my knowledge and understanding of people, process and perception.
No1 Psychodynamic
No2 Cognitive
List Of Models
No3 Solution Focused
No4 Person Centred Approach
No5 Gestalt
No6 Existential Coaching
No7 Ontological Coaching
No8 Narrative Coaching
No9 Psychological Development + Coaching
No10 Transpersonal Coaching
All case studies are anonymised and in some cases are a blend of conversations of a similar theme. This is in part to ensure confidentiality but also to generalise for application to a broader audience.
CASE STUDY: WHAT ONE THING COULD YOU DO TODAY?
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THE SITUATION
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The client was feeling stuck, lacking motivation, following a series of adverse experiences which left them out of work, out of a relationship and out of energy.
THE CONVERSATION
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Carrying on from a previous session the client brought with them a list of things they want from life. We explored how positive this process was: That they had a list, and that they came to the meeting. Rather than jump straight into the list we talked about how they were feeling right now. What was present and important. They were tired after a night of poor sleep. They talked about habits and routines that might help better sleep, better feeling, being more positive. They selected “3 things to try tonight”. We discussed the empowering effect of having a plan, and getting things done, but most of all, being in control of those choices and decisions.
REFLECTION
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Goals don’t have to be huge, they can be as simple as go to a meeting or make a list. Change does not have to be difficult, it may simply be putting down your phone or going for a walk. Success sometimes starts with the smallest snowball which habit can build. Momentum starts with noticing one small change, then maybe two, or three.
Life can be chaotic, confusing, unfair. It can also be curious, funny and exciting. Often the difference can be the extent to which we have some control, some choice even if it is initially just over the small stuff. It is usually the small stuff that makes the biggest difference.
CASE STUDY: WHAT IS YOUR VISION
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In business a vision statement is a business document that states the current and future objectives of an organization. A company’s vision must align with its mission, strategic planning, culture, and core values. A vision statement is not only used in business, as nonprofits and government offices also use them to set strategic goals.
THE SITUATION
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The client was annoyed with themselves for a lack of action, progress and achievement.
THE CONVERSATION
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We talked about what might help and they suggested having a clear vision would help focus attention and action. We then talked about what a vision means for them: What would need to be in a vision for it to be meaningful and useful? After some discussion we had a series of sentences that ostensibly covered the following….
What am I delivering?
Who am I delivering it for?
Why am I doing this?
Why choose me?
We then repeated and rephrased these sentences may times over, wordsmithing them each time and examining how they sounded and felt. We considered how clients would respond to and engage with them. We were sensitive to what felt personal and authentic rather than corporate.
We did the work there and then. 40 minutes later it was substantially complete and they now had momentum as well as a vision to focus attention and action: Their purpose. (At least for the immediate period ahead)
REFLECTION
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Sometimes your story needs a little rehearsal to get it just right. The process of talking, thinking, reflecting is a creative process almost like painting or making music which can become more personal, more “right” with each review and revision. Coaching is very often a “thinking space” in which to practice, challenge, reflect and an opportunity to explore your own thinking and what feels right.
CASE STUDY: WHAT IS YOUR MOTIVATION
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THE SITUATION
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The client was unsure about their role, motivation and goals, particularly in relation to work and career.
THE CONVERSATION
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We used the metaphor of a cup as their role and the liquid we could put in it as their passion. We explored the differences between job, role, skill, talent, interest and person. We talked about different glasses, cups, jugs as containers for our work, life, role and passion. Then the client picked up a can of juice and poured it into the water and suggested maybe the real issue was the blend, the mix, the ingredients rather than the destination into which it might be poured.
REFLECTION
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Some people so strongly identify with a role that it becomes their identity. For example, I am a triathlete, rather than I am a person who does triathlon. Or a role becomes their way of being. For example the person who is a project manager at work, stays in this role at home or with friends. It is possible in these circumstances to loose track of our “self” and sense of personal identity rather than social or corporate function. This is particularly the case if we are recognised and rewarded for what we do, rather than valued for who we are.
A glass of water or a cup of tea are a partnership between liquid and vassal, and possibly a useful metaphor when examining the relationship between who we are and what we do.
CONTACT
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Tim HJ Rogers
ICF Trained Coach, IoD Business Mentor, Mediator
MBA Management Consultant + Change Practitioner
Mob 447797762051 Tim@ThinkingFeelingBeing.com
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