Philosophy. Behaviourist coaching models – get the outside (behaviour) right and the inside (attitude/mindset) follows (NLP modelling is a very clear example of this) – need to make the vision as concrete , clear and compelling as possible. Achievement of that goal is what drives the action, so it must be.

My Gestalt background points to a more ‘inside out’ view – get the mindset and attitude right and behaviour will follow. Mindset, emotional connection to the goal and attitude are the drivers – and flexibility and adaptation to external and internal changes have to be built in to the goal-setting activity. If the vision is too rigid, it will collapse over time.

Temperament. Experience also shows me that for many people the more flexible approach to long-term goals is more effective. And it is for me, too, so my coaching style follows my own preferences. Despite that, I know that some of my clients need clear end-goals, and are excited and motivated by them. I’d say that they are more action-oriented and ‘behaviourist ‘ by temperament, so I have to adapt my philosophy to accommodate them. It’s like any coaching situation – it all depends on the individual.