Appreciative coaching: the power of the image

Appreciative coaching is a type of coaching that is based on appreciative inquiry, a methodology of change that helps to discover the strengths of a person, group or organization, and that helps to recognize, capitalize on and use those beliefs and behaviors that are and have been tools.

It focuses on what we want the most, and not what we don't want, and focuses on living appreciating, living feeling gratitude for everything that life brings us.

• Related article: "The 6 types of Coaching: the different coaches and their functions"

Understanding Appreciative Coaching

This week, Miriam Subirana, collaborator of the Mensalus Institute of Psychological and Psychiatric Assistance, talks about appreciative coaching and the power of the image.

Sometimes we are closed in a vision that does not allow us to move forward, a construction that only values ​​the negative part of reality. What can we do in these cases?

We live in a reality created by our conversations and the stories we tell ourselves. If these stories contemplate the negative part of life, it may be difficult for us to connect with the other positive part that pushes us to make a change.

Appreciative coaching focuses attention on that other part that the person is losing sight of. Instead of thinking about the problem, the coach asks what we would do if the conflict did not exist. The objective is to visualize another more positive scenario.

Everything is based on the power of the image. For example, if I come home every day thinking that I will get bored next to my partner, I will hardly find a joint fun moment. Well, as coaches we could ask the following question:

• What would be the ideal if boredom ceased to exist? Hmm... Do something different and exciting. Going to the theater could be a great option, for example a monologue performance.

• Why? There we could have a good time and, above all, laugh.

• And what could you do to laugh?

In this case, the person would begin to respond to situations in which they would laugh and, not only that, they could visualize themselves in this jovial and relaxed state that they have not experienced for a long time. From the appreciative coaching we accompany the individual on a journey towards the imagination of dreams so that her attitude in the here and now changes.

Is it easy to have a clear image of what we want to change?

Not always. In fact, this is one of the basic points to deal with. If we do not have a clear image of what we want to change, it will be very difficult to set up the work areas for change.

Change happens because there is an attractive element that pushes us towards action or because discomfort that generates the "no change" is unbearable (in this second case it is the same if there is an image of the future or not). Well, the problem appears when the discomfort is not unbearable but there is no attractive future image. Then... What moves us?

Here arises the need to create a dream.

And to draw this dream, what can help us?

In this case, the therapist or coach is in charge of asking questions that help the individual to reflect on himself. One of the elements we use to establish a dialogue is the language of abundance rather than the language of lack.

The language of abundance looks for what we want to gain with the dream. For example, in the case of those who want to quit smoking, the usual discourse responds to "I have to quit smoking" (an obligation). From the appreciative coaching we would ask "what do you want to gain if you don't smoke?" Visualizing this desire will help the person build a positive image.

Likewise, we will also place special emphasis on highlighting the strengths that the protagonist possesses. Find the resources that were useful to you in the past and connect again with those situations (continuing with the first example, we could help the person to detect moments in which she laughed and was nurtured by others, including her husband) evokes feelings necessary for him change.

Ultimately, we understand that appreciative coaching focuses on the dialogue of what we want rather than what we do not want, is that right?

Certain. Instead of focusing on the problem, we focus on what would happen if it did not exist. Appreciative coaching seeks the positive vital core, that which gives life to the person. Once this nucleus is detected, it makes it grow. And how does he do it? As we mentioned, through the power of the positive image, the language of abundance and the connection with one's own strengths.

What message would you like to convey to our readers before ending this interview?

Images create worlds. The reality that we live is generated by the images in which we believe and project ourselves. The change begins in the images we have of the future.

Appreciating and acknowledging the best of "what is" awakens our positivity. Let's not forget that every human being needs to be appreciated and recognized. When we appreciate, we move forward: our mind opens to receive and learn.

Living appreciating is feeling gratitude for everything that life brings us. Be it positive or negative, good or bad, we can decide to see the positive side that helps us to value and progress.