Level 1, the lowest level, is performance coaching. At level 1, the coach works with tactics and techniques to deal with specific challenges like a difficult person at work, a job interview, a high stake examination, a debate or a negotiation. The focus is on processes and drills. Once the specific situation is handled and passed, the clients are back to their old ways. There is no fundamental change in the client’s character or view of life. For example, a client might master the drills and aces the examination, but remains basically under confident and have low self esteem.
Level 2 coaching is basically the same as level 1 except that it focuses on a category of needs such as relationships, career, speech, sales, investing and parenting rather than on a specific situation. Though broader than level 1 coaching, level 2 is still about processes and drills, and leaves the client’s life generally unchanged as it is.
Level 3, is transformational coaching. This level changes the client’s mental filters and map of the world. At level 3, the coach works with insights. Insights, once seen cannot be unseen. Level 3 coaching, stretches the client’s mind with insights.
And, the mind is like a rubber band. Once stretched by an insight, it cannot return to its previous state. Level 3 coaching makes the most enduring change in the client as it operates on the client’s identity, beliefs and values. Seemingly small shifts at this strategic level lead to lasting, big changes in a client's life.
Once a change takes place at level 3, level 1 and 2 changes follow naturally and effortlessly. Level 3 is catalytic. It changes the client from inside out. It changes the client’s behaviour by changing his identity, beliefs and values.
Level 1 and 2 works on doing. Level 3 works on being, on self realization, and the aha! moment.
Level 3 is the most liberating as it frees your mind to live big.
Life coaching is most effective when it touches the client at all 3 levels.
The levels of coaching reminded me of military parade drills. At the first level, the individual soldier is coached to be able to execute his/her drills well, how they swing their arms or move their feet.
ReplyDeleteThe second level is when a contingient of soldiers are coached to perform the drills together, when any soldier within the ranks is able to mess up the drill for everyone.
Finally, the third level of coaching is when the soldiers are educated about the importance and relavance of their marching drill; if they understand the history of marching drills. Allowing the soldiers to understand the importance of the drills would motivate them to perform the drills as best they can, but at the same time instill a sense of pride in what they do, ultimately changing their perspective of marching drills all together.