Coaching Tip: Don't fight the problem, solve it.
Category: Coaching Secrets (CS210)Originally Submitted on 1/17/00.
Introduction
A coach can help a client move past fighting the problem so that energy is focused on solving the problem.
The Coaching Tip
A tendency of some clients when first talking with a coach is to focus on almost everything about a problem except how to solve it. Why the problem isn't fair, whose fault it is, why someone else should fix it, these are often central topics.It is the job of the coach to help the client to accept that the problem IS, so that there can then be movement forward toward solving it rather than movement in circles fighting it.
Occasionally, how a problem occurred may be useful, if backtracking is necessary. It may more often be useful in setting up a system that will prevent similar problems in the future.
However, oftentimes the antecedents of a problem are irrelevant to its solution. Events that are past come into the category of things we cannot change. What we need to focus on are the things we can change (the equivalent of Covey's sphere of influence).
The A, B, Cs of problem-solving...
A. What is the existing problem?
B. What is the desired solution?
C. How does one achieve the solution?
About the Submitter
This piece was originally submitted by Diana Robinson, Ph.D., Personal Development Coach, who can be reached at Diana@ChoiceCoach.com, or visited on the web. Diana Robinson wants you to know: I coach my clients to greater success and enjoyment of life by enhancing their ability to focus on what is truly important to them. To learn more, and/or to subscribe to either/both of my two e-mail free newsletters, please visit my web site. I also offer you the gift of a half-hour of free coaching by phone, with no obligation.
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