How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 156

the coach may enquire, “when did stress get a hold of you?”
Unique outcomes
Unique outcomes are situations or events that do not fit with the
problem-saturated story. When searching for unique outcomes,
coaches focus their attention on finding any event or experience
that stands apart from the problem story – even if the situation
appears to be inconsequential to the coachee.
Example transcript:
In this example, Ben is in year 12 and is aiming to achieve a
scholarship for university. Ben doesn’t usually have a problem
with motivation, but lately he just can’t seem to find the energy
to study. With assistance from his counsellor, Ben has named his
lack of motivation, “the energy-zapper”.
Here is part of the conversation that takes place between Ben
and his coach:
Coach - When did the energy-zapper first make an appearance
in your life?
--Ben - Hmm, well I think I first noticed him in grade 9. I went
through this stage where he was turning up and zapping my
energy all the time!
Coach - Was there ever a time when you were able to overcome
the energy-zapper’s powers?
--Ben - Umm… yeah, once I was so behind in Maths that I just
knew I had to study otherwise I would fail the next exam.
Coach - So what did you do?
--Ben - Well, I guess, I just focused. I turned off the TV - I knew I
had to turn off the TV - Then I thought, right I have to do this. I
just have to.
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