Ontological coaching
Ontological coaching
Ontological coaching is a non-directive process for helping people work out:
- What they want in life and what is missing
- How they will get there
- How to avoid unwanted outcomes
The word ontology means “study of being”. The theories underpinning this approach to coaching were derived from combining studies in the use of language with biological studies into the nature of cognition (learning from our environment). The pioneers of this work are three Chileans: biologist Humberto Maturana, former politician Fernando Flores and their colleague Rafael Echeverria.
Ontological coaches help people become aware of and make better use of three elements of being – language, body and emotion.
Important to the language element is recognition that listening is as important a part of language as speaking; and that the reality we experience is shaped by the language we use. How we use language affects both what we do and feel and what others do and feel. Ontological coaching identifies six precise linguistic tools that people use – and just as frequently misuse — in everyday conversations to create reality and to make things happen around them. Similarly, there are several different types of conversation, from which we can choose.
Also important in language are the stories we tell ourselves and the metaphors we use, consciously or unconsciously. These stories encompass the meaning we give to events around us and to what we believe is possible or impossible, good or bad.
The body element concerns the complex and usually unnoticed interaction between posture and how we feel and behave. For example, a hunched up posture is likely to be associated with negative emotions and stress. Simply changing posture can change mood. Even very small shifts in posture can produce large changes in confidence, expressed in a more positive outlook and communication that is more likely to achieve results.
The emotions element is actually about both mood and emotion. Emotion is what you are feeling now; mood is the underlying, durable emotion that you experience. For example, some people are most often pessimistic; others most often optimistic – these differences in mood may over the long term play a significant role in health, longevity and personal success. Ontological coaches recognise six basic moods of life, which people need to manage if they are to improve performance and achieve personal goals. Managing mood is an important part of emotional intelligence. It allows us to control both our bodies and our language, so that they support positive thinking about issues.
Further reading
Sieler, Alan Coaching to the Human Soul, info@newfieldaus.com.au.
© David Clutterbuck, 2014
Prof David Clutterbuck
Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd
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