Shifting Focus: Insights from the Solution-Focused Approach Conference

What are your best hopes? ?

This was the simple, yet profound question posed to us at the opening of the Solution-Focused (SF) Conference I recently attended. It got me thinking immediately about what I wanted to take away from the experience. My answer was clear:

• To connect with like-minded professionals ?
• To leave with more questions to add to my toolbox for facilitating workshops and Walk & Talk sessions ?
• To dive deeper into the principles of the solution-focused approach and its real-world impact ?

I’m thrilled to say, my best hopes were fully realized! A huge thanks to Dr Jane Tuomola Debbie Hogan, MS, MSFC, ICF MCC, ACTC, EMCC MP, EMCC ESIA and the team for curating such a rich learning environment.

Key Highlights from the Conference

One of the most impactful moments for me was during the panel discussions that started each day. The first question asked was: What drew you to the Solution-Focused approach??One of the answers really resonated with me: ?

"It’s a combination of treating people humanely and being both effective and efficient." Mark McKergow

This aligns so closely with my own work using Appreciative Inquiry?in my Clarity workshops. Like the Solution-Focused Approach, Appreciative Inquiry is strengths-based, creating an energized and positive environment—very different from the problem-focused approaches that can leave people feeling drained and powerless.

Reframing Problems into Possibilities

One of the key takeaways for me came from the book Solution Focused Coaching in Asia, which I was delighted to pick up at the conference:

“Reframing problem statements into envisioning a hopeful future state is the first step towards a solution-focused approach.”

This concept of shifting focus from problems to possibilities was reinforced through these typical SF questions: ?

1. What does good look like?

2. What is working well already?

3. What small steps can you take to move forward?

These questions open up dialogue in a way that empowers people to envision the positive changes they can make, rather than getting stuck in what’s not working.

Tools of the Solution-Focused Approach

Several tools from the SF approach really stood out to me, and I’d like to start integrating them into my work:

The Miracle Question

This powerful question invites individuals to imagine what life would look and feel like if the problem were resolved. It encourages us to explore the differences we would notice and the positive outcomes that would result. It's a brilliant way to break free from the limitations of current challenges and shift towards envisioning success.

Scaling

Typically, people are asked, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how confident are you?" The usual follow-up would be, "What would it take to get to a 10?" But the SF approach flips this by asking, “What got you to a 6?”?This small shift in focus is transformative, highlighting progress and strengths rather than dwelling on what's missing. It feels more positive, empowering, and expansive.

My Experience and Takeaways

After spending two days fully immersed in this learning environment, I’m grateful for the experience. It was my first in-person conference in a long time, and it felt wonderful to be surrounded by passionate professionals and practitioners. A special shout-out to the familiar faces and new connections I made: Lauren Munsch Karlien Duvenage Linette Heng Peck Chee Chow Catherine Chai Dennis Welch Edwin Choy

Call to Action: Share & Inspire

Coaches and facilitators, I’d love to hear from you! What new tools or approaches have you been drawn to lately, and how have you implemented them into your work? Let’s inspire and learn from each other. ?

Please drop a comment below—I’m excited to continue this conversation and explore how we can all grow together through these powerful practices!

#SFTribe #Coaching #Facilitation