Thesis ‘Shift in the room – Myth or magic? How do coaches create a transformational shift in the room’. Dissertation submitted to Oxford Brookes University for the partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of MASTER OF ARTS (COACHING AND MENTORING PRACTICE)
Joyce Moons heeft met deze scriptie in 2017 een van de twee NOBCO Thesisprijzen gewonnen.
ABSTRACT Although transformational learning is widely acknowledged within coaching, little is known about how such learning could be achieved in practice, and even less about how this could be done within a short time frame. However, considering the on-going debate about the return on investment of coaching and the need for quick results, learning how transformational learning can be achieved within a short time frame will help coaches to face these growing challenges. This study explores if and how transformational shifts in the room can be created. The study was conducted using grounded theory. In total 12 coaches and 5 clients, each familiar with transformational learning, were interviewed. All interviews were recorded, transcribed and rigorously coded. The results demonstrate that a transformational shift, rather than happening live in the room, evolves over the course of the coaching engagement. This led to the development of the Evolving Transformational Shift (ETS) model, which describes the process of working towards insights, followed by behavioural change. Key interventions like creating resonance, sharing observations and skilful use of silence have been identified and discussed. Recommendations to advance coaching practice in general are presented.