The Ontological
Approach
The ontological approach to
coaching is based on the idea that
the human being comprises three
spheres, each of which is a domain
of intervention for the coach:
body, language and emotion. In
other words, we are human bodies
using language to describe and
change our worlds and relating to
one another through an array of
emotions. These three domains are
inextricably linked and impossible
to separate, as all three influence
one another. As such, coaching
intervention in one sphere
affects the other two. The level of
coherence a person experiences
between emotions, body and
language is reflected in the level of
coherence in what she is, does and
has in life. This is a basic tenet of
the ontological approach.
At the organizational level, these
three domains have their correlative
aspects: being, having and doing.
Our being is manifested through our
actions, producing results for others
and for ourselves. Ontological
coaching sustains that being
generates action and action also
generates being.
Following these two triads of the
ontological approach, we developed
a set of five issues around each that
would allow the coach to intervene
and achieve a domain of coherence
not only inside each triad, but
also between the personal and
organizational triad. We call
these the pillars of personal and
organizational development.
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Coaching World |
August 2013
33