How to Coach Yourself and Others Popular Models for Coaching | Page 244

in the coaching partnership. Absent creative brainstorming, the coachee continues to circle and repeat the same patterns of behavior. Essentially, the first natural reaction in this "stuck state" is to do "more of the same." Key coaching behaviors    Utilizes a variety of tools and techniques to interrupt the coachee's habitual patterns, thus breaking the "stuck state" Surprises coachees with creative, unexpected questions Brainstorms a variety of alternatives to the current situation, probing beyond initial responses to unearth a broad spectrum of options Step 3: Hone goals In Step 3, the coachee forges alternatives and possibilities into specific goals. This is the stage at which SMART goals are created and/or refined, and it is essential that the principles of effective goals formulation be taken into account. This is more difficult than it may first appear. Most executives are very aware of what they do not want. However, they frequently find it highly challenging to specify exactly what they do want. In this step, the coach helps the executive to clearly articulate specific, desired results. Key coaching behaviors      Encourages precise definition of goals (in positive terms) Takes time to develop SMART goals Works with the coachee to develop goal(s) with high personal meaning and relevance Ensures that the goals are, in fact, the coachee's Develops a specific set of measurements with the coachee to provide clear evidence of goal achievement 246