From Coach to Awakener summary

Understanding the Evolution of Coaching

In From Coach to Awakener, Robert Dilts takes us on a journey through the evolution of coaching. He begins by explaining the traditional role of a coach, which is to help individuals or teams improve their performance. This is done by identifying and addressing specific behaviors that are hindering their progress. This traditional form of coaching is referred to as small "c" coaching.

Dilts then introduces us to the concept of large "C" coaching, which is a more comprehensive and holistic approach. Large "C" coaching involves not only addressing behaviors but also working on the individual's capabilities, beliefs, values, identity, and even their spiritual well-being. This expanded view of coaching is essential for helping individuals achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Roles of a Large "C" Coach

According to Dilts, a large "C" coach must be able to play several roles, each of which is essential for the individual's growth. These roles include caretaker, guide, coach, teacher, mentor, sponsor, and awakener. The caretaker role involves providing a safe and supportive environment for the individual, while the guide role focuses on helping them navigate through their challenges.

The coach role involves helping the individual improve specific behavioral competencies, while the teacher role focuses on imparting new cognitive capabilities. The mentor role involves instilling empowering beliefs and values, and the sponsor role supports growth at the identity level. Finally, the awakener role involves raising the individual's awareness of the larger system or "field" they are a part of.

Tools for Large "C" Coaching

After outlining the various roles of a large "C" coach, Dilts provides a toolbox for each role. These tools are designed to help the coach effectively manage the entire scope of large "C" coaching activities. For example, the caretaker toolbox includes tools for creating a safe and supportive environment, while the guide toolbox includes tools for helping individuals navigate through their challenges.

Similarly, the coach toolbox includes tools for improving specific behavioral competencies, and the teacher toolbox includes tools for imparting new cognitive capabilities. The mentor toolbox includes tools for instilling empowering beliefs and values, and the sponsor toolbox includes tools for supporting growth at the identity level. Finally, the awakener toolbox includes tools for raising the individual's awareness of the larger system or "field" they are a part of.

Applying Large "C" Coaching

In the latter part of the book, Dilts discusses how large "C" coaching can be applied in various contexts, such as personal coaching, executive coaching, and life coaching. He emphasizes that large "C" coaching is not just about achieving specific outcomes, but about helping individuals achieve their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

In conclusion, From Coach to Awakener provides a comprehensive understanding of the evolution of coaching and the roles and tools required for large "C" coaching. It emphasizes the importance of taking a holistic approach to coaching, one that addresses not only behaviors but also capabilities, beliefs, values, identity, and spiritual well-being. By doing so, individuals can be guided to achieve their full potential and become awakened to the larger system they are a part of.