Strategies

There are three major thinking strategies that underpin everything in this book.  They are:

• The coaching mindset
• Thinking systemically
• Outcome thinking

Systems thinking provides the basic framework for understanding how we interact with ourselves and with others. It recognises that simple, linear, cause/effect mechanics (like those of Newtonian physics) have limited applicability in our complex world of social groupings, public and private sector organisations, and communities.  The interactions between the elements of all of these systems have a direct bearing on our personal effectiveness.

Coaching, whether one-to-one or in groups and workshops, is a two-way process for fully engaging people (including ourselves) in expanding our knowledge and understanding of our impact on the world. When done in a conscious and structured way is has immense capacity to open up new choices that enable us to move forward.  As such, it is the most powerful engine for personal development available.

Outcome thinking provides the train tracks on which systems thinking and coaching run: if we don’t have a clear sense of where we want to get to, no amount of systems thinking and coaching will get us there.  As well as providing an overall sense of direction, and almost manic attention to outcomes keeps any development activities on track and forms the basis for measurement of progress.