There are multiple ways coaching can be used and I have met people who typically define it as helping the client to achieve the goal.. well, this is what I used to think too before I had undergone the coach certification program with Peter. I always thought that a coach is there to guide the coachee and advise her/him in terms of tools/techniques that would make the coachee an extraordinary person, and thus, changing the way things work for the coachee.

In the ‘CFL Coach Training Program,’ I came across a coaching model named ‘Triple Loop Model.’ Peter, on the second day of the program shared how professional coaches that have got trained under him are helping their clients with the help and understanding of the this Triple Loop Model.

The powerful tool-The Triple Loop Model, is a three level coaching approach (separated in three loops/levels of coaching) where a coach shifts his approach from facilitating transactional shift(s) to transformational shift(s).

Typically, most the of the coaches adopt the so called Loop 1 approach, which Peter defines as a result oriented approach-‘Just Do It!’ Here, the coach dwells in a conversation with the client and identify a goal, create a roadmap and help her/him to achieve it. The tool that usually used is SMART Tool (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound).

Loop 2, is a step deeper approach to coaching focusing upon improving the current performance and getting better results. Instead of using the SMART Tool, the coach dives into a more engaging discussion with the coachee and puts across the SMARTER Tool (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound, Efficient and Rewarding).

Loop 3, is the deepest approach, and my favorite one. In Loop 3, the coach holds a secured and non-judgmental space for her/his client. By holding this emotionally-mentally stable space for the client, the coach establishes what’s internally meaningful and fulfilling for the coachee, thus creating a very powerful internal force for the desired action. The focus in the Loop 3 is to help the coachee to strive for full potential and being authentic to her/himself and to the world around. The technique that Peter shared and laid major emphasis during the 4 days coach training program was ‘asking real powerful questions.’ The Tool used was SMARTEST (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound, Empowering, Systemic/whole, and True to myself).

Summing up the Triple Loop Model: While Loop 1 is effective to create short-term wins, Loop 2 is adopted to move from being already good to even better. However, Loop 3 is all about helping the client discover what lies deep inside, raising self-awareness and then connecting with the higher purpose. In a nutshell, the third loop reminds me of what Lao Tau once said, “He who knows others is wise. He who knows himself is enlightened.”  

What is your approach to coaching?