Clean Language
In the first half of the coach retreat, we practiced clean language.
Clean Language is a technique that is used especially in psychotherapy and coaching, and more recently as a research interview technique. Clean Language helps clients to discover and develop symbols and metaphors without any content introduced by the therapist/coach/interviewer.
Mike Bowler facilitated the session. We have gone through a coaching scenario on how to ask questions on clearing the language. It really helps build reputation with the coachee in the explorations phase. These were the clarifying questions we asked.
- Developing Questions
- What kind of X (is that X)?
- Is there anything else about X?
- Where is X? or (and) whereabouts is X?
- Is there a relationship between X and Y?
- When X, what happens to Y?
- That’s X like what?
- Sequence and Source
- Then what happens?
- What happens just before X?
- Where could X come from?
- Intention Questions
- What would X like to have happen?
- What needs to happen for X?
- Can X (happen)?
Keep in mind, It has to be your Metaphor to work! Otherwise it won’t!
Balance
In the second half of the coach retreat, we practiced the Balance method from co-active. Peter LePiane facilitated the session and helped us to go through that. We practiced it using a scenario in mind, and looking it from different perspective. The idea was unique and somehow controversial to me. It was controversial in a sense that the coach is bringing bias to the conversation by introducing, or better saying suggesting, perspectives.
For detailed instruction on balance, you can visit The Balance Formula at a Glance.