subject: Identity Coaching Helps Individuals And Businesses Evolve [print this page] How do you answer the question, Who are you? Its a simple question, but the answer is anything but easy. In fact, its impossible to have just one answer. We define ourselves in numerous ways, on many different levels, and our identities are changing all the time. This dynamic poses a challenge for identity coaches working with individuals and organizations alike.
At a business level, identity coaching focuses on aligning individual identity with organizational identity. One of the coachs primary objectives is to see how these identities interact and then develop effective ways to support and promote their goals.
Robert Dilts created an identity model with six hierarchical levels that he called neurological or logical levels. These logical levels are environment (where we live and work), behaviors (what we do), capabilities (the range of things we can do), values and beliefs (what is important to us and what we believe in), identity (who we are and what our purpose is), and spirituality (how we relate to something bigger than ourselves).
An identity coach helps individuals and organizations align each of these levels with a desired goal. Based on Dilts levels, identity coaching addresses:
Environmental factors: Where and when does success occur? At this level the identity coach helps define the external challenges to which individuals and organizations must recognize and respond.
Behavioral factors: What does the individual or organization need to do to achieve the goal? Behavior is made up of the specific actions taken in the environment, and must be carefully analyzed to develop a realistic plan of action.
Capabilities: How are actions chosen and monitored? An identity coach assesses the individual or organizations skills, why they are relevant to the task at hand, and how they are applied within a strategic plan.
Beliefs and values: Why is a particular plan chosen? Beliefs and values essentially identify what is important to the individual or organization. They reinforce the reasons why capabilities and actions should be supported.
Identity factors: Who does an individual or organization perceive itself to be? Identity gets to the very core of them, and a coach must uncover the roles they play to achieve the mission.
Spiritual factors: Is there a larger purpose? This level isnt necessarily religious. Its where an identity coach understands how an individual or organization relates to a larger system of which they are a part.
The who are you? question will always be a good one. It helps us figure out not just who we are, but who we want to be. Dilts logical levels enable growth at all levels. From an individual expanding his capabilities to an organization defining its mission, all will get one level closer to successwhatever that may be.
Learn more about identity coaching by visiting www.ThinkBlueThinking.com or calling 619.550.8052.
