What is Co-Active Coaching?

Co-Active coaching is a form of coaching that emphasizes a partnership between the coach and the coachee. In a business setting, the role of the coach can be fulfilled by an internal or external coach, a manager, or an HR professional. This coaching approach is based on the Co-Active Model. In this article, we answer the question of what Co-Active coaching is, describing the four cornerstones of the Co-Active Model and exploring what makes Co-Active Coaching unique.

What is Co-Active Coaching?

Co-Active Coaching is a coaching method where the coach and the coachee collaborate as equal partners. Their shared goal is to work on both personal and professional growth for the coachee. The Co-Active Model, developed by the Co-Active Training Institute (CTI), revolves around an active and co-creative relationship, focusing on the coachee's desires. It approaches coaching through four core principles, recognizing the coachee as a complete individual, integrating various aspects of life.

The focus of Co-Active Coaching is on effective communication, fulfillment, balance, and taking concrete steps. Co-Active coaching encourages individuals to develop, maximize their potential, make grounded choices, and initiate positive changes in various areas of their lives.

Being and Doing

The term "Co-Active" stands for being (Co) and doing (Active). Being in the present to turn ideas into reality and being able to set boundaries. Doing in an active mode, completing to-do lists, and always being "on." When humans function at their best, there is a good balance between being and doing. This is the foundation of Co-Active coaching.

Four Cornerstones of the Co-Active Model

Co-Active Coaching is based on the Co-Active Model, which has four cornerstones that differentiate it from other coaching methods.

1. People are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole, with all the answers within them.

The coach respects the coachee as they are and assumes that this individual is not fragile, dependent, or broken. The coachee already possesses the answer to their issue, and the coach guides in bringing forth this answer.

2. Focus on the whole person

When solving a problem, it's not just about examining that problem and its causes. The solution lies in looking at the coachee as a whole. Issues and problems are connected to the person as a whole, and that's where the solution lies.

3. Dancing in the moment

A conversation is a powerful and dynamic exchange of energy and words. Co-Active coaching assumes that coaches respond to the coachee's energy and move with the moment, being active in the here and now. By actively engaging in the moment (dancing), the coach and coachee build trust and create space for openness and vulnerability, aiming for learning moments and discoveries for the coachee.

4. Evoking transformation

A coachee seeks a coach because something needs to change in their life, whether for clarity or action. This can be daunting because feeling comfortable in the present is safer than the unknown future. Coaching involves pulling people out of their comfort zone because change doesn't happen in the safe zone. The fourth cornerstone of Co-Active coaching is eliciting change.

Why Co-Active Coaching works

The core principle that people are "naturally creative, resourceful, and whole" shifts perspectives in the coaching relationship. This principle inspires the coachee to achieve even greater changes, reinforced by positive expectations.

Co-Active coaching doesn't just focus on achieving results for individuals; it emphasizes the development of the coachee as a whole, not just solving the current problem. This is particularly powerful for those who only have experience with business coaching, which focuses on the role, not the person and the broader context.

Additionally, neuroscientific research has shown that Co-Active Coaching supports coachees in developing positive new neural networks. This results in responding more calmly to stress, making choices more easily, and tapping into their natural creativity.

Want to know more about Co-Active Coaching?

If you're curious and want to learn more about Co-Active Coaching, feel free to contact our program advisors, download the Co-Active Fundamentals brochure, or sign up for the free online information event. This event provides all the information you need in an hour to determine if Co-Active Coaching is right for you.