Anthony M. Grant

Solution-focused coaching is increasingly used by leaders, managers, and human resource professionals as well as professional coaches. Although the principles underpinning solution-focused coaching are simple, some people find it difficult to put those principles into practice in a systematic manner - simple is not the same as easy.

Although there are a number of models designed to help guide solution-focused coaching conversations, to date little attention has been paid to the process of teaching solution-focused coaching skills. This is especially the case when teaching solution-focused coaching skills in organisational settings where time is limited and where individuals, particularly those with high levels of technical expertise may find it challenging to switch roles from manager to leader-as-coach.

This article gives a short overview of key solutionfocused principles, discusses some of the common challenges facing leaders, managers, consultants and other professionals as they learn solution-focused coa ing approaches, and presents a simple step-by-step structured process for teaching, learning and practising solution-focused coaching.

Keywords: Solution-focused coaching; executive coaching; coach education and training; leader as coach.

Full article:The Coaching Psychologist, Vol. 9, No. 1, June 2013 Page 36-44