How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 158
For example:
Sam is a 25-year-old professional, who has recently been
promoted to a business development position within her
organisation. As part of this new role, Sam will be required to
provide product information to a large number of potential
customers in a conference style presentation. Sam considers
herself to be ‘nervous by nature’ and is worried that she may
find this aspect of the role intimidating.
Sam and her coach have named her nervousness, the
intimidator.
Externalising the Interview
Externalising questions and statements involve referring to the
problem as being external to the person. For example, “you are
shy” compared to a narrative approach of “when did shyness get
a hold of you?” Other examples of making externalising
questions include:
How does the (problem) interfere in your life?
How does the (problem) manage to take control of you?
When does the (problem) usually strike?
Have you noticed in anything makes the (problem) stronger?
How is the (problem) hold you back?
Here’s an example from an interview with Sam (playing the role
of the intimidator):
Coach – Intimidator, when did you first start spending time with
Sam?
-- Sam – (As the intimidator) Gee, I started hanging out with Sam
when she was young about 4, maybe 5 years old.
Coach – Wow, you’ve been in Sam’s life for a long time. What has
made you stay so long?
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