The Capstone Coaching Model

A Coaching Model By Clark Luby, Career Coach, CANADA

A Capstone Completes a Work of Architecture

Just as a capstone is a final piece that completes an architectural masterpiece, coaching acts as a transformative element that solidifies your journey of self-discovery and empowers you to reach new heights. Like an architect, a coach helps you identify areas that need reinforcement and fine-tuning.

I typically work with senior-level executives, emerging leaders, and business owners across both large and small businesses in various industries. My clients are generally high achievers who are looking for ways to reach new heights. A big influence for me is Marshall Goldsmith’s famous book titled “What Got You Here, Won’t Get You There”. By working with me and identifying blind spots to help you become more aware, I help successful people become even more successful.

During my 25-year career, I have had the benefit of being coached in sales, leadership, and life. Sometimes the coaching was paid for by my organization and other times I personally invested in coaching because I felt so strongly about the benefits it provided. I have worked internationally during my career having used coaching to help me succeed in foreign countries, navigating often challenging cultures and business climates. Most of my time has been spent working in a large corporate environment, however, my coaching experience has been with both large and small business clients.

If it were possible to coach ourselves, we would. However, a coach brings unique perspectives, no biases, and helps you see yourself where it’s not possible– from the outside. I believe that very few people can be told what to do and achieve long-term success. Part of my coaching process is to help you identify specific outcomes you are looking for and support you in achieving them faster than you would on your own. 

The Capstone Coaching Model

My coaching model is adaptable to meet the specific needs and goals of each of my clients. What we discuss in our sessions is confidential. As your coach I am your thought partner, help you test assumptions, and partner with you in brainstorming and problem-solving. I have been trained in and adhere to ethical guidelines and confidentiality standards outlined by the International Coach Federation (ICF).

Phase One – Laying the Foundation

Initial Assessment and Goal Setting

We’ll begin our journey by conducting an initial assessment of you to better understand your needs, challenges, and aspirations. The assessment helps to identify your strengths, values, beliefs, and areas of improvement. Tools can include interviews, questionnaires, and 360-degree feedback to gather comprehensive information.

We’ll get a full understanding of what you want to achieve and collaboratively set clear and measurable goals, aligning them with your personal and organizational objectives.

Individual Development Plan

Once this has been accomplished, we will create an individual development plan that outlines the specific actions, strategies, and timelines for achieving identified goals. We will ensure that your IDP aligns with your long-term career objectives. Your individual development plan will be a roadmap we will refer to together during our coaching sessions and for you to review at any time outside of our sessions.

Phase Two – Assembling the Pieces

Regular Coaching Sessions

We’ll then begin regular coaching sessions where I will employ active listening, powerful questioning, and insightful feedback to help you gain clarity, explore perspectives, and develop new insights. I will provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for you to reflect, brainstorm solutions, and explore new behaviors and strategies. Every coaching session will have an objective, identifying what you would like to accomplish during the time we spend together. By using open-ended questions and active listening you will gain insights and deeper understanding about yourself and the challenges you are facing. Many of my clients tell me they have never had the opportunity to be listened to without interruption or fear of judgment. At the end of our session(s) you will have an action plan which could involve identifying the steps to take, setting deadlines, and determining strategies to overcome obstacles.

Skill Development and Resources

Through our coaching sessions, we will identify specific skills and competencies you need to develop to achieve your goals. I may offer resources such as articles, books, and assessments to support your learning and growth. I will encourage you to practice the new behaviors and provide opportunities for feedback and reflection.

Accountability and Progress Tracking

We will establish a system for tracking your progress toward your goals, regularly reviewing, and evaluating your achievements, challenges, and lessons learned. I will ensure you hold yourself accountable for your commitments and provide constructive feedback to support your development. Accountability helps to maintain motivation and momentum.

Integration and Sustainability

I will help you integrate your new skills and behaviors into your daily work and personal life and provide ongoing support and follow-up sessions to ensure sustained growth and continued progress. As part of ensuring a sustainable plan is integrated into your life, we will review your progress, celebrate achievements, and make adjustments when necessary. Personal growth is a gradual process, and setbacks or temporary obstacles are a natural part of that journey. By working with me, I will help you persevere and maintain a positive mindset. A capstone enhances the durability of a building, offering stability and longevity. In the realm of coaching, it fosters resilience and equips you with the tools to navigate challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. 

Solid Capstone

With a solid capstone in place, you can weather storms, maintain your focus, and continue building a life of purpose and fulfillment. Not everyone is coachable. A coachable person is both open and self-aware and is prepared to be challenged with new ways of thinking and seeing the world around them. While self-awareness is required to develop yourself, we will work together through our initial assessment to help increase your own awareness of your potential blind spots, those things holding you back from achieving your goals and true potential.

Timeline

Our coaching engagements will typically take place bi-weekly three times per month over a six-month period. 

At the end of this period we will evaluate progress and most often recalibrate future engagement based on progression and goals at that time. Sometimes, we’ll agree that you have what you need to move on by yourself and our engagement will end.