Evolution

The theoretical evolution of the model

I began my coaching studies in 2010 at the UCT, Centre for Coaching where after two years I qualified as an Integral Coach at PCC level. During 2012, 2013 and 2014 I mentored emerging coaches for them at ACC level. I loved that as I not only help pod meetings with the groups but also assessed their written assignments. From this I learnt a great deal about my own evolving style of coaching and had great insights into how other coaches faced challenges. In 2015 I expanded my horizons by beginning an M Phil (Management Coaching) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. This was another exciting adventure and I became more familiar with a host of other background philosophies, models and techniques.

Ken Wilber’s Integral Theory is an important element behind my model. It suits mega- issues and can be applied easily as part of a coach’s toolbox. His work was influenced by Habermas and the simple I/we/it model is useful in every aspect of coaching. I don’t believe any coach can function effectively without some knowledge of neuroscience. Helping clients to build new neural pathways is essential in any coaching programme. I ‘discovered’ Positive Psychology only during my M Phil and that was a huge ‘ aha’ for me. This new science helps so much else fall into place. What I like, too, is that Ungerer’s work links Positive Psychology and Leadership. Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle as also a great discovery for me. I use it as a coaching tool for gaining deeper reflection and meaning and many of my clients have found it useful, too. The work of Kahn adds the dimension of ‘ Coaching on the Axis’.

At first I had found stating my background philosophies in words extremely difficult. However, after doing the above visualization, this became much easier.

My work has evolved in an exciting way. I was surprised to find that the main clients attracted to me as their coach were leaders in fairly large organisations. And I realized that although their stated needs were often different to others whom I coached, there was a common thread. I believe that the aim of a coach qualified to work on creating a fundamental shift in a person’s ‘way of being’ should be working on helping the individual to rely more heavily on their inner world. Thus mindfulness, meditation and building new neural pathways are important and woven into the Robust Coaching Model in an Integral way.I began my coaching studies in 2010 at the UCT, Centre for Coaching where after two years I qualified as an Integral Coach at PCC level. During 2012, 2013 and 2014 I mentored emerging coaches for them at ACC level. I loved that as I not only help pod meetings with the groups but also assessed their written assignments. From this I learnt a great deal about my own evolving style of coaching and had great insights into how other coaches faced challenges. In 2015 I expanded my horizons by beginning an M Phil (Management Coaching) at the University of Stellenbosch Business School. This was another exciting adventure and I became more familiar with a host of other background philosophies, models and techniques.