Holistic Transformation: The Double Diamond Coaching Approach Coaching Model

A Coaching Model By Silvia Bruno, Transformational Coach, SPAIN

Holistic Transformation

If you’re here, you likely desire a change in your life. What is it exactly?

Some know from the start: ‘I want more meaning in my work.’ Others feel restless, unfulfilled, or lack motivation without knowing why. Despite trying various things – new jobs, houses, diets – we often end up in the same spot, facing the same frustrations. We cling to the hope that “one day, I’ll do what I truly want and finally be happy…” However, that elusive “one day” never seems to arrive, and the cycle of discontent continues, leaving us feeling stuck and disheartened.

What if that day is NOW? Do you know what you really, really want? And how do we get there?

Holistic Transformation: The Double Diamond Coaching Approach Coaching Model

My coaching model aims to clarify goals, integrating all aspects of yourself into a roadmap.

As a licensed architect and designer, I apply a creative process similar to design thinking, zooming in on details and out to see the bigger picture, facilitating personal growth. This model provides an iterative, human-centered approach, co-created by us together. You might spend more time in one phase than another, or go back to a previous one, and repeat the process. The phases often overlap, in the spirit of the continuous becoming of things.

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.- Heraclitus

Structured into four phases, each represented by a character, my model starts with the ‘problem space’. We train our brains to view ‘problems’ neutrally, avoiding rushed solutions.

If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and 5 minutes thinking about solutions.- Albert Einstein

The second phase, the ‘solution space’, focuses on finding the right solution for the right problem through experimentation and action.

Let’s explore each phase together, with example questions to facilitate reflection and help you achieve meaningful and lasting change while we move through the coaching process.

The Discover Phase

You’re facing a challenge in your life or job. Let’s explore your emotions, beliefs, needs, desires, habits, and aspirations. If we were to take a snapshot of your current situation, what does it look like? And how do you feel about it?

Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom. – Aristotle

The Explorer leads this phase, curious and observant, diving into emotions, beliefs, behaviors, and aspirations. They can get overwhelmed or overthink.

Coaching Questions:

1. How do you feel about your situation?
2. What are you curious or uncertain about?
3. What else is important to you regarding this topic?

The Define Phase

Now that we’ve explored your feelings, let’s articulate the core challenge and set a specific goal.

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are. – J.P. Morgan

The Goalsetter excels at clarity and focus, articulating challenges, and setting precise goals. However, they may be overly critical or struggle with ambiguity.

Coaching Questions:

1. What’s the core issue you want to address?
2. How would you define your ultimate goal in this situation?
3. What specific outcomes are you hoping for
4. What criteria will you use to measure your progress?
5. How can you ensure realistic but challenging goals?

The Develop Phase

With a clear goal in mind, this is the time to be creative and open-minded as we brainstorm possible solutions and pathways, considering multiple approaches and strategies to achieve your goal.

The Innovator is creative and resourceful, generating ideas and innovative strategies. However, they can be unrealistic and lose focus.

Coaching Questions:

1. What are some possible solutions to the challenge you’ve identified?
2. How can you think outside the box to address this issue?
3. Try “Yes, and” techniques.

The Deliver Phase

It’s time for action. Develop a strategic plan, adopt new habits, and try small-scale experiments. Continuously improve based on what you learn.

Action is the foundational key to all success. – Pablo Picasso

The Go-getter is action-oriented and efficient but can be overly rigid and rush into action.

Coaching Questions:

1. What specific actions will you take to implement your solution?
2. How will you prioritize tasks for effective execution?
3. What’s your timeline?
4. How will you address obstacles?

The Four Characters Matrix

If we consider a matrix, we can see how we might approach the challenge from one of the quadrants, depending on our strengths. It’s useful to remember that any strength pushed to the extreme becomes a weakness, so we might want to consider how to use the other characters and move across the quadrants to solve our challenge. We’ll explore the change of perspective more in detail in the “Diverging vs Converging Power Tool”.

The Fifth Character

The fifth character is crucial even if it doesn’t represent a specific phase of the Double Diamond. Staying on track is the foundation to ensure you have accountability and ongoing support during the whole journey. During the coaching engagement, we will regularly review your progress to stay aligned with your goals.

The Sustainer is dedicated, supportive, and committed to long-term progress. They ensure accountability, provide ongoing support and celebrate successes. However, they can resist change, become complacent, and overcommit.

Coaching Questions:

1. How will you maintain long-term progress?
2. What strategies keep you motivated and focused?
3. How will you build a support system?
4. What metrics measure sustained success?
5. How do you adapt to setbacks or challenges?

Holistic Transformation

This coaching model fuels creativity and positive change, aligning with the ICF’s coaching definition. Coaching, as per the ICF, is a collaborative, creative process that inspires clients to maximize their potential. Focusing on creativity shifts problem-solving to unlocking possibilities and connecting with authentic selves. This approach fosters growth mindsets and empowers people to achieve fulfilling lives.

Going through the process described by the model, we leverage creativity for self-awareness and expression, connecting us with our essence. It facilitates holistic personal development thanks to change starting from within.

So, let’s harness creativity for profound transformation that starts within us and has a positive impact on the world.

Be the change that you wish to see in the world.”– Mahatma Gandhi

Reference

Stickdorn, M., Hormess, M. E., Lawrence, A., & Schneider, J. (2018). This is Service Design Doing. O’Reilly Media.
Covey, S. M. R. (2006). The Speed of Trust: The One Thing that Changes Everything. Free Press.
Dweck, C. S. (2006). Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Random House.
(2024). ChatGPT: The Large Language Model.
(2024). Canva AI
Bruno, S. (2024). Diverging vs Converging Power Tool. International Coaching Academy (ICA).
Bruno, S. (2024). From Daydreams to Daily Life: Focus on Creativity in the Coaching Journey for Lasting Change. International Coaching Academy (ICA).
International Coaching Federation (ICF). (n.d.). ICF Core Competencies.
The Fountain Institute. (n.d.). What is the Double Diamond Design Process? Retrieved from the website.
Illustrations created by the author with some elements generated using Canva AI. Please do not use, distribute, or reproduce these images without permission.