Ned: I am having trouble meeting all of my expenses. . . I don’t seem to
have enough to go around.
Counselor: Ok. . . . We can attack this in a number of ways. . .let’s just generate
some ideas. Is that all right with you? (Note: here the counselor has
jumped directly into “fixing mode.” A coaching approach will
engage in exploration by posing a question like, “you mentioned that
_________. Tell me more about that?).
Ned: That sounds good to me. (The client agrees to the agenda that has
been set for him by the counselor).
Counselor: Could it be that you do not have enough income? (Here, counselor
generates first solution for the client).
Ned: I suppose so. (Client agrees because the counselor is the expert).
Counselor: How can you generate more income? After Ned explains how, the
counselor asks,
Counselor: All of those are possibilities. Another way to look at your problem
might be to cut down your expenses. How might you do that?
(Counselor generates solution #2 and goes on with his own agenda).