What are the most effective problem solving frameworks for personal coaching?

1 What is a problem solving framework?

A problem solving framework is a structured approach to identify, analyze, and resolve a problem. It helps you break down the problem into manageable parts, generate and evaluate possible solutions, and implement and monitor the outcomes. A problem solving framework can also help you communicate your reasoning and recommendations to your clients, and foster a collaborative and creative mindset.

2 Why use a problem solving framework for personal coaching?

Using a problem solving framework for personal coaching can help you and your clients gain a number of advantages. It can aid in clarifying the problem and its root causes, exploring different perspectives and options, generating innovative and effective solutions, testing and validating the solutions, as well as tracking and measuring the results. This approach can help to avoid jumping to conclusions, making assumptions, bias or tunnel vision, settling for the first or easiest idea, unexpected or negative consequences, and losing sight of the goal or progress.

3 What are some examples of problem solving frameworks for personal coaching?

There are many problem solving frameworks that you can use for personal coaching, depending on the nature and complexity of the problem, the preferences and styles of your clients, and the resources and time available. For instance, the 5 Whys is a simple yet powerful technique to identify the root cause of a problem by asking "why" five times. The GROW Model is another popular framework to structure a coaching session and guide your client to achieve a specific goal. It stands for Goal, Reality, Options, and Will. Furthermore, the SCAMPER Method is an effective tool to generate new or improved solutions by applying seven different types of thinking: Substitute, Combine, Adapt, Modify, Put to another use, Eliminate, and Reverse. All these frameworks can help your client achieve their goals and improve their productivity.

4 How to choose the right problem solving framework for personal coaching?

When personal coaching, there is no universal problem solving framework that fits all situations. You must consider several factors when selecting an appropriate framework for your client and their problem. This includes the scope and complexity of the issue, the personality and style of your client, and the context and constraints of the situation. For instance, some problems are more specific and straightforward, while others are more broad and ambiguous. Some clients are more analytical and logical, while others are more intuitive and creative. And some problems are more urgent and critical, while others are more long-term and strategic. You must choose a framework that matches the level of detail and analysis required for the problem, suits the preferences and strengths of your client, fits the time and resources available, and aligns with the expectations and outcomes of the situation.

5 How to apply a problem solving framework for personal coaching?

When applying a problem solving framework for personal coaching, it's important to define the problem clearly and precisely with your client, and ask open-ended and probing questions. Encourage them to think critically and creatively, and help them prioritize and select the best solution. Support them to plan and execute the action steps, follow up and review the results, and celebrate the achievements and learnings.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?