Simplicity in Coaching

The best coaching topics are complex.

Should I change jobs? How can I reach to this goal? What should I do to get unstuck? How can I make this decision? What do I really want?

These complex topics contain many variables, and therefore lack a repeatable solution. A simple topic has a solution that once you learn you can repeat again and again, like turning on a computer or tying your shoes laces.  

And although coaching is most effective for complex topics, the most skilled coaches make it look simple.

Simplicity is seen as a positive in many contexts, but not everyone sees simplicity as a positive in coaching. Many people believe that the more complicated the coaching resource or coaching model, the greater value it contains.

Slow is Smooth and Smooth Is Fast

Have you heard that saying before? It originates from the U.S. Navy Seals. Not only that, it was the mantra of Emily Harrington, the first woman and fourth person ever to free-climb El Capitan in under 24 hours—widely considered to be one of the hardest climbs in the world. We like to picture her, ascending that sheer cliff, alone—slow, smooth and fast.

This powerful phrase suggests that the overall fastest way to complete a task or challenge, is to perform it as efficiently as possible. And efficiency is at its maximum when all actions involved are performed smoothly.

But, back to coaching.

Within your organisation there will be people who love coaching’s simplicity and people who are repelled by it. You will want to speak to both sides of the coin. Yes, coaching is conceptually simple, but in this case, simplicity does not mean easy. Yes, coaching is based on complex research in neuroscience and psychology, but it can be used effectively with a five-year-old.

Yes, coaching is simple. And yes, simple can be transformative.

So, we present a different mantra. This is one that we carry with us, as we work to help people have better conversations, and to transform the institution of education through coaching methodologies: complex is simple and simple is transformative.