A Journey Through Developmental Coaching: An Excerpt from a Course Module
As we work through life, we encounter different challenges and obstacles. These obstacles can come from many angles, such as work, family, relationships, or even personal issues. For many of us, seeking help from a coach is a great option to overcome these difficulties and move forward positively and productively.
In this episode, our host discusses how cognitive and social-emotional development impacts our capacity for success in life and within organizations. The episode identifies Elliott Jaques, a co-founder of The Tavistock Institute, and a psychotherapist, as a unique voice in this field.
Jaques’ groundbreaking work in organizational theory and psychology has provided insights into how our capability and capacity interact.
One of the most interesting aspects of this episode is the distinction between capability and capacity. While capability refers to our abilities, capacity refers to our psychological balance. These two factors do not always intersect perfectly; achieving a balance is crucial for success.
The Need Press Questionnaire discussed in the episode is valuable for assessing one’s capacity profile. Understanding where we are coming from regarding our psychological balance and skillset is essential for effective coaching.
One of the central topics of the episode is developmental coaching. The speaker believes that developmental thinking applies to all professions working with adults, not just coaches. Teachers and management consultants can benefit significantly from incorporating process consultation into their work.
Coaching is a one-to-one relationship between two peers with different developmental levels and personalities. To be an effective coach, it’s essential to understand the mental process of the other party. This requires careful listening, empathy, and a deep understanding of the client’s meaning-making and sense-making.
Overall, this episode highlights the importance of understanding one’s psychological balance and skillset when seeking help within an organization. Whether in a professional setting or one’s personal life, coaching can be a helpful tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving success.
Takeaways
Capability and capacity are different concepts, where capacity refers to psychological balance, and the Need Press Questionnaire offers a capacity profile.
Coaching is a broader concept than is often thought of, and developmental thinking applies to all professions working with adults.
The speaker suggests taking a more comprehensive approach to coaching, where the focus is on understanding the mental process of the other person.
Knowing about the client’s meaning-making and sense-making is crucial for effective coaching, as they have different lines of development.
Coaching is a one-to-one relationship between two peers who may have different developmental levels and personalities, with the coach trying to understand the mental process of the other party.
Process consultation is an essential aspect of coaching and is used by management consultants, teachers, and coaches to consult to the mental process of the other person.