In statistics, George E.P. Box, in a 1976 paper, famously said that all models are wrong, but some are useful.
He was referring to the fact that no model can perfectly capture the complexity of reality, and they are a simplification and approximation of the real world. They make assumptions, omit details, and may not account for all factors. Therefore, they inherently contain errors. But despite their imperfections, they do serve valuable purposes in understanding, making predictions, and guiding decision-making.
Coaching offers many models - GROW, Co-Active, FACTS, and OSKAR, to name a few. These models are beneficial for new coaches as they provide a structured approach. However, it's worth considering how many experienced coaches still rely on these models in their entirety or even recall their specifics.
In her excellent book "The Transformational Coach", Clare Norman MCC presents Shift 69, moving from “Use the established formula” to “Trust your intuition.” Claire Pedrick MCC mentions in "Simplifying Coaching" a metaphorical cupboard with a stash of models and questions and the difficulty of remembering which bit you need.
My experience is that coaching is not about this or that model; it is about being authentic to who you are. Someone once asked me, “Are you a co-active coach?” I looked at them incredulously and replied, “No, I am a coach.” I learned co-active as part of my training, but that is not all I use.
I love not using any model and just going with instinct and intuition, remembering that we are there not for me and what I know but to partner and create shifts in thinking. The thinker (unless they are a coach themselves) will not have any idea of a model. They just know they are having a great conversation and being genuinely listened to.
From all of this, I have learned that I am the best instrument for coaching, not some model. That is why I am currently enjoying reading “The Human Behind the Coach” by Claire Pedrick MCC and Lucia Baldelli MCC. We need to remember that we are all humans and different. Let’s use this in our coaching and be more authentic to who we are as coaches.
