CLEAR Model

Creating a CLEAR life coaching model will provide you with a structured, interactive, and client-centered approach that prioritizes trust, deep listening, and exploration before action.

The CLEAR model, originally developed by Peter Hawkins, is excellent for dealing with complex issues where rapport and a thorough understanding of the situation are crucial.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the CLEAR coaching model for your practice:

 

The CLEAR Model for Coaching

 

The acronym CLEAR stands for the five sequential stages of the coaching process:

Contracting Setting the agenda, boundaries, and desired outcome. To create safety and clarity for the session. 

Listening The coach gives their full, undivided attention to the client. To fully understand the client's current situation and emotions.

Exploring Deep diving into the underlying issues and perspectives. To challenge assumptions and expand the client's awareness.

Action Determining the specific steps the client will commit to. To translate insights into concrete, measurable steps.

Review Evaluating the outcome of the session and the ongoing journey. To ensure accountability and plan for future sessions.

 

1. Contracting (C): Setting the Stage 🤝

 

This initial stage establishes the necessary framework for a productive and safe session. It involves two types of contracts: the overall Coaching Contract (roles, confidentiality, duration) and the Session Contract (the goal for this specific meeting).

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • What specific topic or challenge do you want to focus on today?

  • What is the ideal outcome or result you would like from our time together?

  • How will you know this session has been successful?

  • What support do you need from me, and what commitment are you willing to make?

 

2. Listening (L): The Deep Dive 👂

 

In this stage, the coach practices Active and Attentive Listening. This involves paying attention not just to the client's words, but also to their tone, body language, and emotions. This is a non-judgmental space designed to gather data and build profound trust.

 

Coach Actions:

 

  • Listen to the Gaps: Pay attention to what the client isn't saying.

  • Reflect and Paraphrase: Summarize the client’s statements to show you understand and to allow them to hear their own thoughts aloud.

  • Validate Emotions: Acknowledge their feelings (e.g., "It sounds like that situation is very frustrating for you.").

 

3. Exploring (E): Challenging the Map 🧭

 

Once the reality is fully heard, the coach moves to challenge the client's current perspective. This stage is about encouraging new thinking and uncovering limiting beliefs, assumptions, or emotions that are blocking progress.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • How have your current beliefs about this challenge shaped your actions so far?

  • What assumptions are you making about the situation, and are they entirely true?

  • How would someone you admire (a role model) view and handle this situation?

  • What other perspectives or interpretations could there be?

  • If you had unlimited resources, what option would you explore?

 

4. Action (A): Committing to Change ✅

 

This stage is dedicated to generating and selecting the best possible options (similar to the 'O' in GROW) and then gaining a firm commitment to an immediate next step.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • What are the three most realistic options you have right now?

  • Considering everything we've explored, which single action will give you the greatest momentum?

  • What specific step will you commit to taking before our next session?

  • On a scale of 1 to 10, how motivated are you to take this action? (If low, revisit Exploring).

 

5. Review (R): Learning and Accountability 🔄

 

The final stage ensures the learning from the session is consolidated and that there is a plan for accountability moving forward. This closes the session professionally and sets up the next one.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • What was your biggest insight or learning from today’s session?

  • How will you measure the success of the action you committed to?

  • What might prevent you from completing your action, and how will you handle that obstacle?

  • What topic would you like to Contract for our next meeting?

By adopting the CLEAR model, you ensure every session is grounded in trust and thorough understanding, leading to more transformative and sustainable outcomes for your clients.