On my last coaching call, the discussion was focused on reframing. This has to be my favourite tool for coaching. In my experience, when I have used reframing with a client to help them see their situation from a perspective that they have not considered, it is very powerful. This alone can give them the encouragement, confidence, and renewed commitment to a worthwhile goal. I personally get a charge at seeing a client have that aha! moment where they have been able to get unstuck in their thinking about a challenge in their life, simply by seeing the situation from another viewpoint. I have found that it’s effective to ask simple questions like “how could you see this differently”? Or, “what would happen if you saw your situation this way – what would you do that you are not doing now?” It’s a process I find I must be committed to taking the client through and active listening is a big part of it. There is usually other work to be done but reframing an experience or challenge can be the first step in overcoming any blocks to achieving a goal.
