BLUF: I was wondering whether anyone has experiences/opinions about Alan Fine's InsideOut coaching model. I don't want to limit responses to Mark and Mike, but I'm particulary interested in their opinions.
I've been participating in a management development program at work - it is nice that the company has a systematic way of developing folks! :D Yesterday's subject was Alan Fine's InsideOut coaching model. While the basic process flow is similar to the Manager Tools model, there are some differences in basic technique and what appears to be a fundamental difference in the basic assumption.
Inside Out Coaching
OK, now that I have a bit more time to expand on my own message...
Fine's basic premise is that it is not the "knowledge gap" that limits performance. It is really "interference" that prevents you from acting to capacity using your existing skills/knowledge.
The basic process steps are similar. Although Fine's model only has four steps (set specific goal(s), check against where you are now, brainstorm options, and plan the way forward), the bulk of the Manager Tools model is there. It also includes re-evaluating the goal at each step. What's not formally integrated into the InsideOut model is an ongoing effort to verify progress.
Where it's perhaps different is how the basic premise influences the coaching technique (and how that might limit its effectiveness for folks who do have a "knowledge gap"). The coaching technique is very interrogative. So much so that as the coach you don't need to know *anything* about the problem or its possible solutions, you just ask questions.
What do you want to discuss?
What do you want as a result? (Drilling down to a SMART goal)
What happens?
What have you tried?
What was the outcome?
Is the goal still realistic?
What could you do if there were no limitations?
What other things could you do?
If you were the coach, what would you recommend to yourself?
Which of these ideas interest you?
How might you do them?
Which option will you take action on?
How will you go about it?
What will get in the way?
How will you overcome it?
What's the next step?
Which DISC profile would have an aneurysm with this approach?
Inside Out Coaching
The "John and the Gate Guards" podcast is actually an excellent example of this model.
John already had the knowledge he needed, although he obviously didn't realize it at the time. His answers to some gentle questions were enough to move past the obstacles he perceived.