How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 197

   Which factors are crucial in achieving coaching success as simply as possible? Which assumptions will help you to reach the goal as quickly as possible? Which activities should you avoid to maximize your efficiency as a coach? It is in response to these questions that solutionfocused brief coaching emerges as a particularly interesting alternative to traditional problem-solving methods. In solution-focused brief coaching, questions are asked in such a way as to move the coachee's attention to the level of solutions. Instead of discussing problems, difficulties and causes, the coach explores with the coachee desired goals , exceptions which have led to success in the past (times when the problem did not occur), and solutions (the changes that will have occurred once the goal is reached) as well as existing resources . This procedure is especially suited to the business environment, because these coachees are already familiar with many of the questions you will ask, eg, about defining goals and visions, best practices, or knowledge management. But the mix of questions is unusual, the order in which they are asked is surprising, and, best of all, the step-by-step solutionfocused procedure is truly unique. Solution focused assumptions: Becoming Solution-Focused in Brief Therapy - John Walter & Jane Peller (1992) 1. Focusing on the positive, on the solution, and on the future facilitates change in the desired direction. Therefore, focus on solution-oriented talk rather than on problem oriented talk. 199