Doris Young Associates'
Young Thoughts
Volume 7 Issue IV
April, 2007
IN THIS ISSUE
The Control Theory and Coaching
On The Lighter Side
The Control Theory and CoachingWilliam Glasser proposed the control theory of motivation that states behavior is never caused by a response to an outside stimulus. Instead, the control theory states that behavior is inspired by what a person wants most at any given time, which can be survival, love, power, freedom, or any other basic human need. Glasser contends that all living creatures "control" their behavior to maximize their need satisfaction. If people aren’t motivated to perform an action, it's because they consider it irrelevant to their basic human needs. Coercing individuals to comply with rules and complete action steps by using rewards and punishment will result in high percentages of individuals doing low-level work—even when their coach praises them. On the other hand, if you make the intrinsic rewards of doing the work clear to the individual, they will have ownership of the process. Correlating any proposed action steps to the individual's basic needs is essential. Perceiving completed action steps as temporary indicators of what action has and hasn't been taken will result in quality work done by highly engaged and deeply motivated individuals.
Coaches allow individuals to choose both content and method to meet their basic needs. They literally help shape how and what they are coached on. Coaches collaborate and actively participate to enhance the power of the individual. Coaches make sure that all action steps are decided by the individual and meet that person’s needs. This secures ownership, which helps the individual through whatever tasks might be necessary. Coaches recognize the individual’s achievements and progress toward their goal and need for power in each area of their life.
Coaches need to acknowledge the individual’s achievements and help that person identify what is preventing them from achieving success in a specific area of their life. The total focus remains on removing barriers to success. Coaching is based on principles of how people grow and change and not based on being an authority in a particular job, specialized expertise, or directing individuals in a particular direction. The coach’s job is to help individuals identify, clarify, articulate their dreams, desires, and objectives. Coaches then help people stay focused and achieve their desired outcome. Coaching principles can be used in any area of life. Coaching is a conversational relationship that promotes personal and professional success. Through coaching an individual identifies what he or she wants to have in life and with the support and encouragement of the coaching relationship more easily achieves goals. The coaching conversation transforms the way the individual looks at the situations that matter most in life. Developing a transpersonal relationship and asking incisive questions stimulate powerful solutions. Coaching empowers individuals to take action and responsibility for their results. If you’ve thought about what it would be like to have a coach it’s a great time to take advantage of a complementary session to determine if it’s right for you. Feel free to call 800 673-8005 or 757 624-9603 today to schedule your session.
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