THE BIG IDEA
Levels of Coaching is a tool to link intended or unintended consequences back to behaviors/actions, thoughts/feelings, and underlying beliefs. Levels of Coaching starts at results and goes down 3 levels. Level 1 is Behavior/Actions: The specific actions we take, things we say and do. Level 2 is Thoughts/Feelings: The ideas and opinions behind actions and the emotional reactions that influence our behavior (glad, mad, sad, afraid, etc.). Level 3 is Underlying Beliefs: The deeply held certainties that govern & motivate thoughts, the convictions from which we draw conclusions and generalize
Understanding your coachees on each level is key. Asking right questions, focusing on the coachee, and caring all help you reach this level of understanding
TIPS
Level 1 – Behavior/Actions: To understand actions/behaviors, ask questions like “What did you do/say specifically?” and “Is there something you didn’t do?” Focus on identifying the specific and observable behaviors and determining what can be changed or reinforced
Level 2 – Thoughts/Feelings: To better understand thoughts/feelings, ask, “What were you saying to yourself at the time? What were you feeling? What was going on in your head?” Focus on uncovering the thoughts and assumptions used to approach a situation and the emotions that influence behavior.
Level 3 – Underlying Beliefs: For understanding underlying beliefs, you can ask things like, “What is it that you most cared about in that moment? What was really driving you?” “What do you generally assume about yourself/others in times like this? What beliefs do you have about situations like this?” Focus on creating awareness of key beliefs that are influencing thoughts so the coachee can decide to change if necessary.
Keep practicing the right questions with the right focus to understand your coachees better on each Level of Coaching!
