TheDeepCoachTransformational Coaching Tips 41 Comments

Excerpt from the book:A Shift in Being: The Art and Practices of Deep Transformational Coaching

What is Transformational Coaching?

Transformation has become a popular term in business, leadership, and coaching circles. Unfortunately, when a word is used so freely, we often lose touch with its true meaning and use it to describe something it is not. This can happen when the words ‘change’ and ‘transformation’ are used interchangeably. We make changes all the time to the way we look, think, feel, and act. If we have intentionally set about on a course of action to learn or grow—to communicate better, to manage our emotions more effectively, to be a better friend or partner—we have likely grown and changed, but have we necessarily transformed? All transformation is change, but not all change is transformation. As Alice said in her Wonderland experience, “at least I know who I was when I got up this morning, but I think I must have been changed several times since then.”

This confusion spills over into the coaching world as well, with some coaches calling what they do ‘transformational coaching’ when it is, often by their own definition, something else. Take, for instance, this definition which I came across: “Transformational coaching involves interactions with a coach for the purpose of increasing a coaching client’s effectiveness, performance, personal development, and growth.” This is an accurate description of all coaching; there is no form of coaching that does not endeavor to increase a person’s effectiveness, performance, development, or growth. Here is another inaccurate definition of transformational coaching: “the art of assisting people to enhance their effectiveness in a way they feel helped.” Again, this is a general description of all forms of coaching.

In simple terms, transformational coaching is focused on enabling self-actualization. Far more than ‘options-strategy-action’ to attain goals or clarity or to get better at something, transformational coaching dives deep into an individual’s psyche, focusing on who that person is and desires to become. Transformational coaching is therefore an ontological approach because it is about ‘being’ rather than ‘doing.’

Transactional vs. Transformational Coaching

This understanding highlights a key distinction between transactional and transformational coaching approaches: each has a very different fundamental premise. Transactional coaching rests on the premise that a person will uncover what they need to and move forward in meaningful ways based on their existing way of being. In other words, nothing need be explored nor shifted at the level of being in order for desired outcomes to be achieved. Transformational coaching, on the other hand, rests on the premise that an expanded or shifted way of being—and the higher-order thoughts, perceptions, and energies available therein—is necessary to uncover what is needed.

The great transformational coaching question is therefore, “Who do you choose to be?” and what makes the process transformational is learning and doing what it takes to grow into the embodiment of that choice in being.

People will still bring their personal goals, objectives, and high dreams to the table in transformational coaching conversations; however both coach and client are aware that those function as the context for the deeper dive within, and are not the end game in themselves. The driving question remains grounded in a choice in being: Who do I need to be in order for my goals or dreams to become a reality? The ‘becoming’ process is the transformational path, and the end game is the embodiment of higher than realized levels of existence.

To facilitate this process, a transformational coach supports people to dive below the surface and immerse themselves in self-exploration, to examine their beliefs, images, and interpretations about who they are and their purpose and place in this world—it is all of these which give rise to their existing way of being, and examining them sheds light on why people experience life as they do.

It’s a Deep Dive into Your “Operating System”

From a coaching client it requires the willingness to face shadowy fears and beliefs in order to become free of patterns of thought and emotion that have held them captive for a lifetime. Change then happens at the core level of mind, within the person’s internal operating system, and when the person grows significantly at this level it creates the impetus for equally significant shifts in their behaviors, choices, and emotions.

Over time, real transformation occurs, and the necessary thoughts, attitudes, and actions which function to bring envisioned goals into existence will arise organically, as an expression of the fulfillment of their higher nature.

Transformational coaches can and will coach transactionally at times; inevitably there will be times when it is desirable to think or act in a more transactional manner. However, the transformational coach’s role is to maintain focus on the growth potentials of the deeper realm, and encourage exploration of being as precursor to taking action. Being is paramount to doing, and doing flows from being.

Sam’s Story

One of my clients, who I’ll call Sam, nicely exemplifies coaching towards the transformational realm. Sam was in his late 30s, and had built a successful career as a professional consultant. When he came to me, he had recently moved to a new city and changed jobs, and was now working for one of the world’s leading consulting firms. Despite his outward success, Sam was highly self-critical, and held himself to exceedingly high standards of performance, which he rarely, in his mind, ever achieved. In his new position, he found himself struggling to find his bearings, and his self-criticism had taken such a hold that it was having a detrimental impact on his entire attitude towards life.

A second area he identified for coaching related to his perceived tendency towards contemplation and overthinking, which affected his ability to make decisions in a timely manner. This lack of decisiveness puzzled him greatly, and was taking a toll on his life. “It tires me out not being able to make decisions,” he told me, “Everyone around me seems to have a good amount of clarity, and make decisions full of confidence and logic. Why am I not like them? Why am I so indecisive?” His objectives for coaching were to stop being so self-critical and to develop a much more positive attitude towards life, and be able to be more decisive.

As is often the case in coaching, Sam would usually come to a session with a transactional objective: “I want to explore how to be more assertive at work, especially with my boss. He drains me. I feel I should be able to stand up to him and speak my truth. I would like to explore strategies or techniques I can use to develop my confidence in his presence and to be more assertive with him.”  A transactional coach would pick up on the words “strategies or techniques,” take them at face value, and coach the session to that outcome. Even if the conversation were to delve into the question of why a lack of confidence existed, and the beliefs or images at the root of it, in the end a transactional coach would still be coaching for ‘solutions to a problem.’

Recognizing the Transformational Potential

What I enjoyed about working with Sam was his naturally introspective nature. In his view this was part of the indecisiveness problem; his philosophical bend and need to consider something from all angles meant he loved to analyze but rarely conclude. From my perspective as a coach, it meant he was always willing to dive deeper, to explore the core beliefs that gave rise to his daily experiences. Although he was skeptical he could actually change—years of living into expectations for his life that were never his to begin with had, despite his best efforts, stymied the fruit of change he so badly desired—he truly wanted to.

In truth, Sam did not come to coaching seeking strategies and solutions to a problem, though his intellect entertained this notion, but to learn how to fundamentally shift his entire sense of self into a more enlightened state. Sessions, although beginning with a transactional objective, would rapidly evolve into a deeper conversation around a host of limiting beliefs that had long proven resistant to change yet which colored his every waking moment.

As our conversations moved into the transformational realm, the focus naturally shifted from resolving specific issues to the broader question of who Sam desired to be in the world, and higher truths that he was now choosing to embody: “I am good enough. I love selflessly. I express who I truly am.” When you hear statements such as these from your clients, know you are standing firmly on the ground that forms the bedrock of transformational coaching.

It’s Not So Easy As People Think

No matter what anyone says, this is no straightforward thing to do. Clarity-strategy-action can help create an intellectual awareness around the limiting belief and, at best, point to a solution for it, but it will not facilitate actual releasing of the belief. Transactional coaching reaches its limits here because an intellect-based approach is never the vehicle for healing limiting beliefs, which is what it means to release those mental and emotional bonds, and to live into the experience of self-actualization. What is needed is a sustainable shift at the level of being, which requires a transformational approach.

The intent of transformational coaching is to get to essence, to the heart of the matter, to explore the ground of being. This is a space of light and shadow, of fear and joy, of limitations and grand possibilities. All coaching approaches foster self-awareness, but transformational coaching goes beyond that—it enables people to attend to the structures which underlie their sense of self (who they believe they are) and then, through an exploration of being, to assume higher than realized levels of existence (who they desire to be).

 

Transformational Coaching in a Nutshell

Focus: Be Different

  • Being-focused
  • Dives below the surface
  • Gets to essence
  • Space of shadow and light
  • Illuminates one’s ‘inner operating system’

Intent: To explore new ways of being and what it takes to embody them.

Premise: An expanded or shifted way of being generates the desired results and outcomes.

 

Comments 41

    1. Post
      Author

  2. This actually describes my view, focus and core of coaching. I did not want to use “transformation expert” because everyone uses it, but if I simply just be that, then the title fulfills itself. This is the BEST information I have ever came across regarding transformation, coaching and life in general. I resonated with this on a professional, personal and spiritual level.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  3. I’m so happy to find this! I’ve worked in guidance for 12 years but following my own winning battle with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue, alongside a careers crisis, I am refocusing to train as a coach. I want to help other people to overcome the deeply ingrained beliefs, limitations and scarcity mindset that can manifest into disease – particularly invisible health conditions that keep sufferers trapped in lonely battles despite seeming to live normal lives. I’ve done so much reading and research into what I want to do is called, feeling it is deeper than life-coaching. This fantastic article is just what I needed to read. I’ll be getting your book. Many thanks.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Thank you sharing this with us Mel, and very happy that it struck a cord. It’s true, those deep-down, wedded to the fabric of your self-identity beliefs can be so imbedded that outworking them can be a real challenge, even when the awareness of them is there. And of course, when left unattended, as you know, these beliefs which start out as a dis-ease in the mind can manifest as a disease in the body. Deep Coaching does shed light on a way to work with it all, so that we truly heal at that core level of mind. Enjoy the book!

      Reply

      1. Do you have any trained coaches in the UK? I’m exhilarated by my transformational journey and finding A Shift in Being a wonderful resource. Now I’m wrestling with some tougher revelations and feel I’d benefit from guidance. A coach would be great, or even a forum, anyone I can talk to without having to start “This is a bit woo-woo but…” Thanks for everything you have opened up to me so far.

        Reply
        1. Post
          Author
    1. Post
      Author
        1. Post
          Author

  5. I think a transformational coach plays important roles in motivating the people especially those who are in depression due to failure or any other reason.

    A great article for those who are looking to learn about the transformational coach. Thanks for sharing and keep sharing some more related blogs.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  6. Leon, Thank you for this skillful article. It helps clarify the distinctions of transactional coaching and its ‘do-have-be’ approach versus the transformational coaching that requires that the client look deeper and more honesty about who they are as an authentic expression of Spirit in human form.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  7. For just started in the coaching world, this article blew my mind. Experiencing dramatic life change myself I took a decision to be a coach as I want to bring out my own journey what I see could help a lot of people. And I was in search of the word, how I could call my life journey and experience. And there it stands – transformation! So much clarity now, thank you!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  8. “In simple terms, transformational coaching is focused on enabling self-actualization.” Truly summed it up for me. I like the definition of transactional coaching as well. Great piece that brings much clarity.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  10. I am a Transformational Coach and this is the best description ever. Great piece. Congratulations!

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  11. I am so happy to have stumbled upon this article. I’m in a program to become a life coach and have been pondering my title: Mindset Coach, Personal development Coach or Transformational Coach. I’ve done a lot of personal healing and self discovery and it’s what I want to help people with, so this seems like the spiritual place that I want to take it. Thank you so much <3

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  12. Thank you for this article. The actual clarity in its message blew me away. This is the BEST information I have ever come across regarding coaching and life. These are my beliefs and the focus on which I want to help people but have struggled with its name because everyone is now a life coach and creating a distinction has become difficult.

    I am definitely applying all this knowledge to my practice and branding.

    Reply

  13. Thank you for this article. This is I guess what I was seeking as a Coach because as you mentioned getting to the fabric I could manage but getting the real shift to happen at a transformational level was challenging.

    I hope to learn this methods as well for my own transformation as well as for my coaches

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author
    1. Post
      Author

  15. Thank you very much for this piece. I am looking for more training as a transformational coach. This clarified what transformational coaching is and gave the insight I was looking for. Much appreciated. Please reach out.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  16. I really enjoyed reading this. It’s inspiring and I believe we need many transformational coaches out there.
    They help the person identify the weed, take it out and then give guidance to their higher being.

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  17. Hi
    I am a co-active transformational coach currently undertaking a PhD and looking into the feelings of belonging (or lack there-of) among transformational coaches. I trying to understand how do self-actualised transformational coaches create feelings of belonging when the majority of people are on lower levels of Keegan’s adult development theory.
    Is there a way to connect with other self-actualised transformational coaches to have a conversation? Any ideas are most appreciated. Thank you for a fantastic and clear article.
    Silke

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

      Actually, yes there is a way to connect, at least with a wide range of people who have taken our Deep Transformational Coach training programs (whether they seem themselves as ‘self actualized’ is an other matter 🙂 ). We have a community called the Transformational Coaching Collective. It’s free to join, and you can see the profiles. https://community.centerfortransformationalcoaching.com

      You can also check out our Find a Coach page, not to find a coach per say, but to find those to connect with for those conversations: https://www.centerfortransformationalcoaching.com/find-a-transformational-coach/

      Reply

  18. Pingback: A Closer Look At Transformational Coaching – Bloggershubb

  19. I’ve read many articles on transformational coaching and this by far is the best one. I am interested in the deep coaching intensive but how much is it beyond the 100$ deposit…

    Reply
    1. Post
      Author

  20. Pingback: A Closer Look At Transformational Coaching – Bloggers Hubb

  21. Pingback: Peur contre libération – CoachingNews

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *