Rise: A Coaching Framework Tailored to Support Women Navigating Transformational Stages in Their Lives.
Coaching models are created to help coaches provide structure in their coaching sessions. The purpose of the RISE coaching model is so my clients can begin to create the journey they are invited to take during our sessions. I explain it as a roadmap that the client will travel during our entire time together. Not every section may be discussed at each session but at the end of our time together they will see the journey they have taken.
RISE Model
RISE is a one-to-one blended coaching model that I use when hired by women for coaching during transitional stages of their lives. Examples could be completing college and entering the workforce, changing jobs, marriage, birth or adoption of children, re-entering the workforce, and retirement.
The RISE model recognizes women’s unique experiences and challenges during transition. It emphasizes reflection, goal setting, supportive strategies, and empowerment to facilitate growth and transformation. It provides women in transition stages with a structured framework for growth and creates an environment for reflection, goal setting, strategies, and empowerment.
The acronym RISE is meant to encourage women to realize that transition is a normal part of life and that they can rise up and pass the hurdles faced during these times. Statistics from the World Health Organization show that women are more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety and even more so during periods of transition(1). The Gallup Global Emotions Report of 2020 reported that worldwide, 62% of women have higher levels of stress compared to 51% of their male counterparts (2).
The Four Stages of the Model Are Reflection, Identifying Goals, Strategies, and Empowerment.
- Reflection: By encouraging reflection on their situation and emotions, I can provide a space for self-discovery and introspection. They can consider past experiences, process why and how things happened, and what they can learn from it. It can also be a time to gain clarity on their values, strengths, and aspirations, helping them make informed decisions during periods of change. Questions I could ask during this stage may be how they felt, what were the hardest struggles, was there any pattern that you can recognize looking back. The most important part is actively listening to the client and gauging your questions on their experiences and emotions. Refer to the questions guide for guidance on questions evoking reflection.
- Identify Goal(s): Goals don’t just appear. They should be considered thoughtfully. The client must set realistic goals that they can achieve away from the coaching environment. An article from KuelLife stated that 92% of people set goals but only 8% are successful in achieving those goals(3). I encourage my clients to identify their goals and set specific, achievable goals that empower them. They can use these goals to create a roadmap for moving forward. This helps women to take control of their lives with intentionality. Refer to the questions guide for guidance on goal-setting questions.
- Supportive Strategies: Collaborative exploration can create sustainable strategies and action plans. These strategies equip women with practical tools and resources to navigate transitions effectively. By offering support while they identify coping mechanisms, self-care practices, and stress management techniques, women can build resilience and maintain well-being during challenging times. This is an excellent time to engage your client’s curiosity about making things look different than they had in the past. What strategies can they use now that they didn’t realize they could have used previously?
- Empowerment: One of the most exciting results of coaching is watching your clients realize they can empower themselves for success. By embracing their strengths, building resilience, and cultivating self-confidence, women can overcome obstacles and pursue their goals with determination. Feeling empowered provides psychological, emotional, and physical changes. The supportive environment created by the model helps women feel empowered to make choices that align with their values and aspirations. It is a continual process that is constantly changing based on the environment of the woman. Empowerment helps them to overcome self-doubt and make stronger decisions in the future about what is best for them. Help them to create ways to stay empowered, reminding them that this journey is theirs and as such, they have the right to create a path that is fulfilling and personally successful.
Suggested questions for each level of RISE.
Remember, as a coach, it is your job to actively listen to your clients and be guided by what they want to discuss. It is their session. These questions can be asked as appropriate during the session.
Reflection:
- What is it about that situation that you would like to change?
- How did you feel when this situation was happening?
- What did you learn from this situation?
- What would you do differently now if that same situation occurred?
- How did you use your strengths during this time?
Identifying goals:
- What feels like a good goal to work on at this stage?
- How does this goal align with your personal values?
- What challenges will you face with this goal?
- How can you support yourself to complete this goal?
- What will change for you when this goal is completed?
Strategies:
- What can you do now to align your environment to your goal?
- Which skills can you use or strengthen?
- How do you see this strategy helping to reach your goal?
- What can you do to stay motivated while using this strategy?
Empowerment:
- How do you feel now compared to when you started the session (either one session or over a period of time)?
- What is a major thing that will change now because of empowering yourself?
- Who can support you when you no longer feel empowered?
- How will feeling empowered change your relationships?
- What will you allow or no longer allow with this new change?
Reference
1)World Health Organization
2)Gallup Global Emotions Report 2020
3)Kuel Life