9 proven Coaching Models: a must-have for all coaches

As a coach, are you looking for effective coaching models to help your clients achieve their goals? With so many coaching models out there, how do you know which ones are truly effective and worth implementing in your practice?

In this article, we will explore nine proven coaching models that every coach should have in their toolkit.

What are Coaching Models

Whether you are an experienced coach or looking into starting your own coaching business, having a coaching model is a must-have. It makes you look credible and helps you refine your coaching practice.

A coaching model is an essential framework designed to help clients succeed and achieve their goals. It combines a coach's unique methods with a set of strategic coaching tools to bolster the practice's effectiveness and credibility.

These models use a systematic approach. They provide a structured way for clients to develop. This includes defining goals, exploring perspectives, and making actionable plans.

Research shows that coaching using psychology makes a big difference. It uses ideas from psychotherapy and positive psychology. This can improve learning outcomes. These include feelings, thinking, skills, performance, and mental health.

These methods offer a complete view of clients. They consider clients' motivations, histories, and current situations. This helps clients make lasting changes in their behavior.^[1]

This systematic framework makes coaching practices solid. It is based on established principles. This increases their effectiveness and reliability. It helps people reach their personal and professional goals.

Types of Coaching Models

Coaching models provide a structured framework that helps coaches work effectively with clients to reach goals and improve skills. There are various types of coaching models. Each model has its own unique approach and focus.

Here, we will explore some of the most widely used coaching models that you can utilize to enhance your coaching practice.

1. The GROW Coaching Model: Best for personal development

The GROW Coaching Model is a favorite tool for coaches everywhere. It was made by Sir John Whitmore and works like a map to help coaches and their clients navigate through coaching sessions. Think of it as going on a journey with four stops.

This model is great. It really helps coaches have important conversations with clients. It focuses on setting goals, understanding the current situation looking at different choices, and getting ready to act. This makes coaching more organized and effective.

G - Goal Setting: This is where the magic starts. Coaches get down to brass tacks with clients, helping them figure out what they really want to hit in the next few months.

Coaches use goal setting exercises to help clients define objectives. These goals are actionable and aligned with their values and aspirations.

They could throw out active questions like, "What's your big dream for the next quarter?" or whip out some handy goal-setting sheets to get everything down in black and white. It's all about getting that target in clear view so clients know exactly where they're aiming.

R - Reality Check: Next up, coaches help clients take a good, hard look at where they're at right now. It's like taking stock of your current situation with questions like, "How close are you to your goal right now?".

Tools like a SWOT analysis are also used to really dive deep into what's working, what's not, and where the golden opportunities lie. It's a crucial step to figure out the lay of the land and how to use what you've got to your advantage.

O - Options Exploration: Here's where the brainstorming fun happens. Coaches nudge clients to think outside the box. Asking stuff like, "What are all the ways you could tackle this hurdle?"

Either by brainstorming or using decision-making tools, the goal is to generate multiple options. Using decision-making tools, the aim is to light up as many options as possible. Seeing all the different routes to the goal can really open up a world of possibilities.

W - Will to Act: Finally, we're talking commitment. Coaches help clients lay down a solid game plan, asking the real questions like, "What's your move, and when are you going to make it?" Using action plans or even commitment contracts can make those plans stick.

It's also about looking ahead, figuring out what might trip you up, and how to leap over those hurdles. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of specific actions and deadlines clearly prepares clients. Keeping them on track to cross that finish line.

2. The STEPPA Coaching Model: best for Enhancing emotional intelligence

The STEPPA Coaching Model is a powerful approach for coaches who want to build a successful coaching career. It consists of seven key steps, each crucial for guiding clients effectively.

S - Subject: The journey starts with defining the focus. Coaches use focus area worksheets to help clients pinpoint their main goals or challenges. This ensures the coaching sessions are laser-focused on what the client wants to achieve or overcome.

This step is super important. It helps you keep things real and genuine with your clients, steering clear of any biases that could sneak into your sessions.

T - Target Setting: Setting clear, achievable targets is next. This could involve using SMART goal criteria to frame their objectives.

You could ask questions aimed at identifying ambitions, such as “What’s your major goal for the next six months?”. It will ensure that clients have a laser-focused aim for their efforts. It’s all about giving direction and purpose.

E - Emotion: Goals aren't just about actions; they're about feelings too. Emotion mapping tools allow clients to explore and express how they feel about their goals. This step is crucial for understanding motivation and addressing any emotional hurdles.

This process of self-discovery can lead to powerful insights and shifts in perspective, laying the groundwork for meaningful change.

P - Perception: How clients see the world can affect their progress. Perception challenge exercises help clients question and adjust any limiting beliefs or attitudes. This encourages a mindset that supports their goals rather than hindering them.

P - Planning: Working together, coaches and clients craft a detailed action plan. This involves breaking down larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps. Utilizing tools like action brainstorming worksheets helps to map out these steps along with deadlines, providing a clear path forward for achieving set goals.

P - Pace: Everyone moves at their own speed. Progress pacing guides assist in setting a realistic timeline that fits the client's life. It's about making consistent progress without feeling overwhelmed, ensuring the journey is sustainable.

A - Adapt: Flexibility is key. Adaptability planning tools prepare clients for the unexpected, helping them stay on course even when challenges arise. This builds resilience and ensures clients can adjust their plans while keeping their eyes on the prize.

This helps clients stay focused on their goals. Helping them remain motivated, especially when facing obstacles.

3. The CLEAR Coaching Model: best for fostering leadership

The CLEAR Coaching Model, created by Peter Hawkins, outlines a structured framework to boost coaching and mentoring effectiveness. It's divided into five key phases.

C - Contracting: This is where the ground rules are laid down. It’s a heart-to-heart between coach and client about what they’re aiming for, the dos and don'ts, and what’s expected from both sides.

Maybe you’ll use a coaching agreement or a chat about goals and what gets the client pumped. Asking something like, “What’s your big dream with our sessions?” can clear the air about what the client is after. The whole idea is to get on the same page so the journey’s smooth sailing, making every session count.

L - Listening: A cornerstone of effective coaching is the ability to listen. Active listening helps the coach understand the client's thoughts and feelings. This can mean repeating their words or asking questions to show empathy.

The goal is to create a safe and trusting space. This way, the client feels seen and heard, which is key for good communication.

E - Exploring: At this stage, powerful questioning by the coach aids the client in gaining insights and self-awareness.

Questions such as, "What challenges are you facing in reaching your goal?" or "How do your beliefs impact your actions?" stimulate deep reflection.

The goal is to uncover issues or beliefs that are blocking the client's progress. This lets them see things differently and find solutions.

A - Action: This is the phase where planning turns into commitment. The coach supports the client in developing SMART goals and actionable steps toward achieving these goals. Utilizing tools like action planning templates can organize this process.

Discussing, "What specific steps will you take this week towards your goal?" encourages the client to commit to tangible actions. The goal is to transition the client from contemplation to action, promoting advancement and growth.

R - Reviewing: The last leg of the journey’s about taking stock—looking back at the ground covered, the hurdles jumped, and the wins along the way. Review sessions might dive into achievements, hiccups, and how tough spots were tackled.

Questions like, “What lessons are you taking from your efforts?” or “How should we tweak our game plan to better chase your goals?” help celebrate the victories and fine-tune future strategies.

It’s about keeping the momentum going and encouraging a mindset that’s all about growing and evolving.

4. The CIGAR Coaching Model: Best for Strategic planning

The CIGAR Coaching Model by Suzy Green and Anthony Grant places a strong emphasis on the client's present reality and focuses on helping them gain clarity and awareness about their current situation.

C - Current Reality: Off the bat, it’s about getting the full picture of where the client stands today. Using tools like the Wheel of Life to peek into different areas of the client’s life or popping questions like, "What’s tripping you up these days?" aims to sketch out a detailed landscape of the client’s current scene—challenges, strengths, and all. This snapshot is key because it lays the groundwork for everything that comes next.

I - Ideal: Here, the focus shifts to what the client wants to achieve—their vision for the future. Coaches could encourage clients to create a vision board or use guided imagery exercises.

Questions like, "What does success look like for you?" help clients articulate their goals, aspirations, and desired outcomes clearly. This step serves to motivate and direct the client's efforts by establishing a clear destination.

G - Gaps: Identifying the discrepancies between the client's current reality and their ideal future is the essence of this phase. Coaches can use SWOT analysis or ask, "What obstacles are currently standing in your way?"

This phase is vital for understanding what needs to change or improve, helping the client and coach pinpoint focus areas for action.

A - Action: This step is where planning meets execution. Crafting a step-by-step game plan with the client turns all those insights and dreams into a to-do list. Tools such as action planning templates or setting SMART goals are instrumental here.

Discussing questions like, "What is one step you can take this week towards your goal?" helps translate the client's aspirations into actionable tasks. This step is critical for momentum, turning the client's vision and insights into tangible progress.

R - Review: Keeping tabs on how things are going is a must for tweaking and cheering on progress. Whether it’s through regular catch-ups or moments of reflection with questions like, "How close are you to hitting your target?" ensures the coaching journey stays flexible and attuned to the client’s shifting needs.

This continuous loop of feedback and adjustment keeps the journey fresh and forward-moving.

5. The OSCAR Coaching Model: Best for executive development

Mark McKergow and Paul Z. Jackson created the OSCAR coaching model. This is broken down into five steps. Each step is designed to facilitate clear progression and actionable results. It focuses on establishing clear goals and objectives for the coaching session.

O - Objective: First off, we lay the groundwork with some crystal-clear goals for the session. Coaches might pull out a goal-setting template or just straight-up ask, "What’s the main thing you want to nail down today?"

This step makessure everyone’s on the same page and sets the stage for everything that follows. It’s like setting the GPS before you hit the road—knowing where you’re headed is key.

S - Scaling: Next, the coach figures out where the client stands in relation to their goal on a scale of 1 to 10. Asking something like, "On a scale of 1 to 10, how close do you feel you are to your goal right now?" helps put things into perspective.

It shows how far they’ve come and how far they’ve got to go. It’s a great way to make the journey toward the goal feel more tangible and trackable.

C - Choices: This stage is dedicated to exploring different options and strategies for overcoming challenges or achieving objectives. Coaches encourage clients to consider various approaches. They ask, "What different strategies could you employ to move from your current position to a higher number on your scale?"

This part’s all about opening up a world of possibilities and letting the client see all the different paths they could take. It’s a boost to their problem-solving muscles and gets them committed to the plan they choose.

A- Affirm & Action: Coaches affirm the client's strengths and past successes to boost their confidence. They use affirmations like, "Let's look at the strengths you've leveraged successfully in the past." This is followed by creating a detailed action plan.

The conversation then shifts to defining specific steps, setting timelines, and agreeing on milestones with questions such as, "What is the first step you will take towards your goal, and by when?" This approach ensures the client feels supported and has a definitive strategy for moving forward.

R - Review: Rounding things off, the OSCAR model wraps up with a good old review session. Asking, "How’s the plan been treating you on your way to your goal?" will help coaches and clients get to dive into what’s working, what’s not, and celebrate the wins along the way.

This reflection time is golden for tweaking the game plan as needed. Making sure the coaching stays right on track with the client’s growth and successes. It keeps the whole process fresh and forward-moving.

6. Solution-Focused Coaching Model: Best for Crisis Intervention & Change Management

The Solution-Focused Coaching Model flips the script from zeroing in on problems to dreaming up solutions. Developed by Steve de Shazer, Insoo Kim Berg, and colleagues at the Brief Family Therapy Centre, in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA. This model is targeted for clients with big visions.

Envisioning the Future: Coaches kick things off by getting clients to dive deep into what they're gunning for. Asking, "What’s your dream scenario?" or "How will you know you’ve hit your target?" gets clients to define what they’re really after.

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