“THE PYRAMID” METHOD

The innovative coaching method “The Pyramid” originates from the study and integration of different approaches to coaching supported by the NLP (Neuro Linguistic Programming) and from our experience gained outside of coaching, particularly in the field of management and leadership, which allows us to have a wide and clear picture of the dynamics peculiar of a business and corporate environment. The application of “The Pyramid method” allows you to achieve highly effective and long lasting results as it operates not only at the behavioral level but generates change to a deeper level, the motivations that drive us to act, always taking into consideration that behind every professional stands a whole person. It is based on this approach that we love to define ourselves AWAKENERS Coaches.

“The Pyramid method” is based on the two main “client led” methods, the G.R.O.W. model and the CO-ACTIVE coaching model. We recognize that all people have a dialogue going on inside their heads and that to create effective change such internal dialogue must be aligned with conscious goals.

“THE PYRAMID” FORMULA IN DETAILS

G.R.O.W.T.H. + CO-ACTIVE APPROACH+ NLP STRATEGIES =AWAKENERS COACH

The G.R.O.W model is a simple methodology tool created by sir John Whitmore (2002): a route map for Coaches to follow that puts the client in charge of their own destiny but allows the coach to help them get there. G.R.O.W. is an acronym for:

• (G) GOAL setting
• (R) REALITY checking to explore the current situation
• (O) OPTIONS and alternative strategies or courses of action
• (W) WHAT is to be done, WHEN, by WHOM and the WILL to do it

The model integrated in “The Pyramid method” is an extended version of the G.R.O.W. model: two more steps have been incorporated, originating the G.R.O.W.T.H. model

• (T) TACTICS to adopt in order to act
• (H) HEREAFTER, that is how the client will be committed to maintain the success over time

CO-ACTIVE coaching is a relationship positioning APPROACH; it puts the client firmly in the driving seat with the Coach as a facilitator to draw from the client everything they might need to change. Co-Active coaching is a unique, proactive alliance with Coach and client, working together as equals in meeting the needs of the client. Fervent curiosity is more important than specialized knowledge. We, as Co-Active Coaches, believe that our clients are already great and it is our job to provide support to enhance the skills, resources and creativity the client already has to achieve extraordinary results. The Co-Active coaching model is unique in its approach in that it focuses on Four Cornerstones and Three Principles.

The Four Cornerstones of the Co-Active Coaching Model are:

1. People are Naturally Creative, Resourceful, and Whole – meaning you are not broken, you don’t need fixing, you have all the answers within you and it is our job to get the answers out;
2. Coaching Focuses on Your Whole Person – everything is connected, how you function in one area is typically how you function in all areas.  By focusing on making shifts in one area makes it easier to makes shifts in all areas where shifts are desired;
3. Coaching role is to Evoke Transformation in you – to call you forth in to your desired life with more balance and fulfillment;
4. We Dance in This Moment, meaning, we embrace where you are now as you begin to move towards your desired life vision.

The Three Principles of the Co-Active coaching model are:

1. Fulfillment – what do you truly want for your life;
2. Balance – working from the perspective that you always have choices;
3. Process – living fully present in the moment.

In the Co-Active approach, focused in on the clients and their fulfillment, balance and process, are the Five Contexts of Co-Active coaching: Listening, Curiosity, Intuition, Self-Management and Forward the action/Deepen the learning. Together, within the parameters of the Designed Alliance, these contexts will help to create the ground in which the coaching unfolds.

The third leg of “The Pyramid method” is the NEURO LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING COACHING

NLP skills fit well into coaching, because NLP encapsulates three important elements in its title. ‘Neuro’ is the mind, our thinking. ‘Linguistic’ is language, how we use it to influence others and ourselves. ‘Programming’ is not about computers, but about how we sequence our actions to attain our goals. So, NLP in short is the study of how language affects how we think and therefore our actions. NLP proposes that change can be approached from three directions: by changing the way a person talks about an issue, by changing the way a person thinks about an issue and by changing his or her behavior.

NLP skills, tools and techniques that support effective coaching include establishing goals and well-formed outcomes, managing internal states, taking different perceptual positions, identifying moments of excellence, mapping across resources and providing high-quality feedback.

RAPPORT is a word used to describe the quality in a relationship of trust and mutual influence. It is essential in coaching and NLP helps to maximize the rapport level all along the coaching sessions path.

AWAKENING goes beyond coaching, teaching, mentoring and sponsorship to include the level of vision, mission and purpose. An awakener supports another person by providing contexts and experiences which bring out the best of that person’s understanding of passion, self and spirit. An awakener ‘awakens’ others through his or her own integrity and congruence. An awakener puts other people in touch with their own missions and visions.

References:

• “Coaching for performance: growing people, performance and purpose”, by John Whitmore (2002), London: Nicholas Brealey
• “Co-Active Coaching – New skills for coaching people toward success in work and life”, by Laura Whitworth, Karen & Henry Kimsey-House and Phillip Sandahl (2007), Nicholas Brealey
• “From Coach to Awakener”, by Robert Dilts (2003), Meta Publications
• “How Coaching works” by Joseph O’Connor and Andrea Lages (2007), A&C Black