The more learners are able to realistically describe abilities or opportunities, the more easy they will also find solutions. Facilitators can support this by appreciating the participants’ existing abilities and increasing their ability to identify options and opportunities. In example by consequently asking questions aimed at solutions.[2]
Coaching
Coaching is a consultancy approach preferring letting coachees find solutions and try8ng to limit advice. It is consequently defining the facilitators role as being part of the support system and that of the learner as the agent and solution finder. Main working tools for coaching are inspiring and forwarding questions aimed at solutions. Here some examples:
Questions aimed at solutions
“Tell me in which situations ‘the problem’ is a bit smaller!”
“Tell me about the last time this (positive) happened. How did you respond?”
“What will you need to do differently when the situation changes?”
“What would your best friend say, if I asked her what you usually do when the situation changes?”
Being oriented on solutions helps people concentrate on their strengths and adjust their goals more easily[3]
Constructive Questions
In detail systemic coaching based on this idea of solution-focus, short term intervention and agency at the side of the learner is making use of a set of constructive questions.
Difference between Coaching and Advice
Find here some more illustrations how solution focused facilitation with coaching methodology is different from an approach putting more responsibility for solutions to the facilitator (advice)
References
- ↑ Maren Fischer-Epe, Coaching: Miteinander Ziele erreichen; Reinbek 2002/2011 p.59
- ↑ The solution focused approach is strongly influenced by Steve de Shazer and the Solution-Focused Brief Therapy Association
- ↑ N. Zimmermann: Mentoring Handbook - Providing Systemic Support for Mentees and Their Projects; Berlin 2012; MitOst; ISBN 978-3-944012-00-1; p. 28
Nils-Eyk Zimmermann
Editor of Competendo. He writes and works on the topics: active citizenship, civil society, digital transformation, non-formal and lifelong learning, capacity building. Coordinator of European projects, in example DIGIT-AL Digital Transformation in Adult Learning for Active Citizenship, DARE network.
Blogs here: Blog: Civil Resilience.
Email: nils.zimmermann@dare-network.eu
