Perceptual Positions

A - Z Coaching and Mentoring - This week's extract from Clare Smale's book explores the OSKAR coaching model.

Don't forget if you have a special request for a definition of a coaching term or principle, just let us know! Perfect for anyone studying for an ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualification, or as a refresher for experienced coaches.

Pp

Perceptual positions is a technique that involves the skill of adopting more points of view than your own: ?

• First position – the coach or client is fully involved; a position of personal strength - the downside is that you might lack understanding of other person and push to achieve what you want without considering the consequences ?
• Second position - walking, seeing, hearing, feeling and thinking in another person’s shoes - aware of the emotions and thinking of others - consider different perspectives and reactions or seek opinion ?
• Third position - an observer of the other two - sometimes this is called the ‘friendly visitor from outer space who has just arrived’ position or meta view - notice more complex patterns and interactions - take a detached perspective and check the wider ecology of outcomes, remove personal emotions (client and coach) and find solutions to problems.

Source: www.nlpacademy.co.uk

This model was developed by John Grinder and Judith DeLozier (1987) who discovered that successful negotiators were able to find a win-win situation through adopting the perspectives of others. The role of the coach is to move the client through these positions, asking questions that develop different perspectives.

Taken from the A-Z Coaching Handbook by Clare Smale where you will find a comprehensive A-Z, plus a full list of references.