The Best Corporate Coaching Models

There is one truism about Corporate Coaching - no coaching model is the perfect one or the ends to the means. There are many that have applications for one business and not for another. You have to remember that corporate coaching is about 50 years old. One of the first models came about in the 1950's or 1960's and they have all been evolving since that point in time. The coaching models that originated then were not flexible. They made the mistake of not being flexible - they were static and not dynamic enough.

There are 4 criteria that coaching models are based on if they are going to be flexible enough to work in the corporate environment today:

There must be a presentation of a complete and comprehensive description of the coaching process involved.

You must establish a connection between the nature of the key elements in the process.

Create a means to achieve the end goal - in other words, strive to achieve a predictable outcome.

Utilize a validated method or technique that produces measurable results and sustainable change within the business environment.

Corporate coaching is typically behaviorally-based and constructed. The ability to make positive changes and continue to learn from them comes from a behavioral approach. Some of the elements that these models are comprised of involve:

Analyzing behavior patterns relative to any of the antecedents and results of prior models.

Applying a reliable and valid method of assessment, collection of data, and a system wherein the data can be analyzed.

Constructing a developmental plan of action.

Employment of a behavioral change techniques that have been previously validated.

Management, measurement, and maintenance of resulting behavioral changes in the workplace.

Focusing and targeting on specific behavior - in other words, what we should do or say.

Taking into consideration that 4 key factors - namely individual attitude, belief, knowledge, and personality - greatly influence the behavioral choices we make in our workplace, there are now 4 corporate coaching models that are considered to be the best ones in existence:

Model #1 - The Transtheoretical Model or the stages involved in behavioral change. This involves not only the acceptance of change but the ability and readiness to effect positive change. It is also about recognizing that relapses in that behavior can occur and that the process may need to be repeated.

Model #2 - The Social Cognitive Theory, or as it is more commonly called, the Social Learning Model. Behavioral differences, environmental influences, and various personal interaction factors are the factors that are addressed by this particular model.

Model #3 - The Theory of Reasoned Action or the Theory of Planned Behavior as it is more commonly called. People are rational beings and the intent behind their behavior, whether it is acceptable or not is determined by attitudes, beliefs, controlling that behavior, and specific subjective norms.

Model #4 - Solution-Focused Theory makes the assumption that clients have the answers within themselves long before coaching is implemented. Commitment and trust in the coaching process is paramount and their roles are based in predictable outcomes.