How do you learn from coaches who use different models?

1 Be curious and respectful

The first step to learning from coaches who use different models is to be curious and respectful. Don't judge or dismiss a model that is different from yours, but try to understand the rationale, the benefits, and the limitations of it. Ask open-ended questions, listen actively, and appreciate the diversity of perspectives and experiences that other coaches bring. You may find some common ground, some new insights, or some areas of disagreement, but always respect the choices and preferences of other coaches and their clients.

3 Experiment and adapt

The third step to learning from coaches who use different models is to experiment and adapt. You don't have to stick to one model or adopt another model wholesale, but you can try out some elements or techniques from different models that resonate with you or your clients. For example, you may use a GROW model for goal setting, but incorporate some NLP techniques for reframing or some appreciative inquiry questions for generating positive energy. Or you may use a solution-focused model for problem solving, but add some emotional intelligence tools for building rapport or some feedback loops for measuring progress. Experimenting and adapting different models can help you expand your repertoire, enhance your creativity, and customize your coaching to the needs and preferences of your clients.

4 Reflect and evaluate

The final step to learning from coaches who use different models is to reflect and evaluate. After trying out different models or elements from them, you need to reflect on your experience and evaluate the results. How did you feel using a different model? How did your clients respond? What worked well and what didn't? What did you learn about yourself, your clients, and the coaching process? How can you improve your practice and your outcomes? By reflecting and evaluating, you can consolidate your learning, identify your areas of development, and plan your next steps.

Learning from coaches who use different models can be a rewarding and enriching experience, as well as a professional and personal growth opportunity. By being curious and respectful, comparing and contrasting, experimenting and adapting, and reflecting and evaluating, you can learn from the diversity and richness of business coaching models and become a more effective and versatile coach.

5 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?