OSKAR Model

The OSKAR Model for Solution-Focused Coaching

 

The acronym OSKAR stands for the five sequential stages of a coaching conversation:

Outcome Defining the desired end state. To establish a clear, compelling picture of the future.

Scaling Measuring the current reality and setting milestones. To objectify progress and celebrate small wins.

Know-how Identifying existing resources, skills, and past successes. To build confidence and leverage internal strengths.

Affirm & Action Acknowledging progress and committing to the next step. To solidify motivation and create an immediate plan.

Review Checking back on progress and learning. To ensure accountability and plan the next cycle.

 

1. Outcome (O): Defining the Desired Future ✨

 

This is the goal-setting stage, but with a solution-focused lens. Instead of asking about the problem, you ask what the client wants instead of the problem. This focuses energy on the future.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • What specific outcome would you like to achieve by the end of this coaching series?

  • If we were to achieve that outcome today, what would be different in your life? (Focus on sensory details.)

  • If a miracle happened tonight and the problem was solved, what is the first small sign you would notice tomorrow morning that tells you the miracle occurred?

  • What is the desired outcome for just this session?

 

2. Scaling (S): Mapping Reality and Progress 📏

 

Scaling is a core solution-focused technique that takes the conversation from vague feelings to measurable progress. It helps the client visualize their current position and the effort required for the next step.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • On a scale of 0 to 10, where 10 is the outcome achieved and 0 is the worst it's ever been, where are you right now?

  • What tells you that you are at a [Client's Current Number] and not a lower number (like a 2 or a 3)? (This acknowledges progress and strength.)

  • What would it take to move you just one step higher—from a [Current Number] to a [Current Number + 1]?

  • If you reached a 10, what would you be doing differently?

 

3. Know-how (K): Unlocking Existing Resources 💡

 

This is the strength-discovery phase. It intentionally shifts the focus away from perceived deficiencies to acknowledge the client's past successes and existing skills.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • What have you already done or tried that has helped you get to your current score of [Current Number]?

  • Think about a time when you handled a similar challenge well—what skills did you use then that you could apply now?

  • What are your natural talents or strengths that will help you move forward?

  • Who else do you know who has achieved this, and what can you learn from their know-how?

  • What resources (people, tools, knowledge) do you already possess?

 

4. Affirm & Action (A): Commitment to the Next Step ✅

 

This stage brings together the discovered resources and the desired outcome to create a clear, committed action plan. The "Affirm" part is key to reinforcing the client's confidence.

 

Key Coaching Questions:

 

  • Based on your know-how and what you've achieved so far, what is the one small action you are ready to take next?

  • I want to affirm your strength in [mention a specific skill or past success]. How will you leverage that strength in this action?

  • When exactly will you take this action? (Be specific with time and date.)

  • What potential small obstacles might you face, and how will you use your know-how to overcome them?

 

5. Review (R): Looking Back and Moving Forward 🔄

 

The Review stage happens at the start of the next coaching session. It completes the loop, ensures accountability, and provides continuous learning.

 

Key Coaching Questions (for the next session):

 

  • Thinking back to the action you committed to, what was successful? (Always start with success.)

  • What did you learn from the action you took?

  • Did you move up the scale? What number would you give yourself now?

  • Based on your progress, what is the new outcome you want to focus on for this session? (The cycle begins again.)