The role of a coach can be described in so many ways. Since I’ve been training now for almost a year as coach. I have diving in finding more about the cycle of change when coaching clients.
Last month on my coaching conference call, we discuss the cycle of change. Its been a request made for me to post on my blog about the cycle of change. Since I’ve been coaching. I’ve had the great experience to work with different individuals from all walks of life. In my last module II in Coaching, I was shown how to coach clients with cycle of change tool. I like to look at the cycle of change as the cycle of life.
We all have changes in our life that occurs in our life. When coaching clients, I am now trained to identify what phase they are in the cycle of change. There can be many difference cycles at the same time. The cycle of change can also show up in different areas of life. This is all part of the journey of life. The cycle of change can be use to meet the client where they are at in there life.
The phases of the cycle of change
Phase 1 Shuffle
The shuffle phase of the cycle of change is a time to see what is not working or what is not happening in life. This is a new time to experience the pain of life. A time to go back in time to reflect of what is going on. This phase is known as the time out. The shuffle phase gives you time to heal, ponder, research and find new direction for the person life leading to a renewal and re-energizing( ipec coaching training manual part 2).
The best way a coach can work with this cycle of change coaching tool is to evaluate their core values and feeling. This is where the client need to dig deep and find out what is important in life? Which direction they want to start to action in. As a transformational coach, the cycle of change will start to look at the belief system and the thought patterns. Coaching will start to have the clients to look at new possibilities that the clients can start to work with in their life. One of the thoughts that come in play is I am ready to find my purpose.
The coach will also start to pick up the different feelings such as the fear of the unknown, up and down of energy etc that may show up during the phase 1 shuffle.
As a coach, it is good to have the client to take actions. The actions is moderate level of taking action, focuses on researching, networking, exploring.
During this phase the coaching skill that is useful is Acknowledging, Validating, planning etc.
Phase 2 Deal
The Deal phase is to experiment, training and networking this is use for the implementation of the plan that is developed in the shuffle stage.
The core thoughts that may show up during the shuffle phase is turning outwards to take action, selecting new individuals to connect with. Creating and establishing new expectations. Finding new clarity, process and support. The feeling that clients may have during this process are excitement, anticipation of what is about to happen. High energy the client will express. Also the fear of the unknown of failing or success.
During the dealing phase you want to have planning and researching. Creating a visualization board is good to have during this phase.
Clients that are in this phase is confident about the different moves that they are making in there life. You may see that the client is not making many commitment but taking one step at a time.
The role of a coach is to have the client follow through accountability actions and reports will be great for this phase. The coach can also explore the belief system that may show up.
Phase 3 Play the Game of Life
Phase 3 play the game of life, is very positive for the client. This is the cycle where the client is able to get things done. In this phase you may see new challenges that may show up for the client. This is the part of the cycle of change that everyone enjoy.
The thoughts that the client may have is what I do next. Finding the time to get it all done. The client may experience self doubt while in the game.
As the role of a coach giving feedback is important by giving the client the space to focus more on the present moment and the actions the clients will take and the current steps that are being taken. The coach let the client explore to see what options are available to client.
Phase 4 Toss In
Toss in phase is when everything comes to an end. Some ending to most may seems like failure or success. Most clients are not ready for the end. This will give off negative energy and thoughts.
During the cycle of change, the toss in phase will give thoughts such as why me which is a great time to reflect and turn inward. Some may experience depressions, Lack of energy and no where to turn.
As a coach, a great way to coach during this phase is asking empowerment questions of what is so and what can be the potential for the next step in the game of life. Its good to remind the client that in life we have up and downs and it all depends on how we go through our ups and downs.
