The “Four As” of Coaching: Your Blueprint for Success

THE “FOUR As” OF THE COACHING PROCESS

Agenda Setting: The Foundation of Coaching Success

According to J. Rogers (2016), coaching is a partnership of equals whose aim is to achieve speedy, increased, and sustainable effectiveness through focused learning on some aspect of the patient’s life. Coaching raises awareness and identifies choices, with the APRN and patient working from the patient’s agenda. Together, they have the sole aim of closing the gap between performance and potential.

The first “A” in the coaching process is Agenda Setting. This step is critical as it lays the groundwork for the entire coaching session. During this phase, the Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) works with the patient to excavate what is most meaningful to them. By clarifying needs and identifying what is important, the APRN helps the patient set a clear agenda for the coaching session.

Powerful questions to consider during Agenda Setting:

• What is most important/meaningful/helpful to you at this time?
• What do you need from our time together?

These questions help ensure that the coaching conversation is centered around the patient’s priorities, making the process more relevant and effective.

Awareness Raising: Shifting Perspectives

The second “A” in the coaching process is Awareness Raising. This step involves asking powerful questions that shift the patient’s consciousness and help them gain new insights. The goal is to let the patient do most of the talking while the APRN explores assumptions with curiosity and promotes “generative moments” where new ideas and realizations emerge.

Examples of powerful questions to raise awareness:

• What are you not willing to give up?
• If you say “yes” to X, what do you say “no” to?
• Who do you need to become to make it happen?
• What would your life be like if you were not [name limitation]?

By raising awareness, the APRN helps the patient see their situation from a different perspective, which is crucial for identifying potential solutions and pathways forward.

Action and Goal Setting: Moving Forward with Purpose

The third “A” is Actions and Goal Setting. Once awareness has been raised, it’s time to link that awareness to specific, actionable goals. This phase is about brainstorming possible actions, determining the patient’s self-efficacy, and gently challenging them to do more if possible.

Key questions for setting actions and goals:

• What do you want to do, and when do you want to do it?
• On a scale of 1–10, how successful do you think you will be?
• What is going to get in your way?
• Can I challenge you to … (do more)?

This step is crucial because it translates the insights gained during the awareness phase into concrete actions that the patient can take. It ensures that the coaching process is not just about talking but also about doing.

Accountability: Ensuring Follow-Through

The final “A” in the coaching process is Accountability. This step involves helping the patient use resources effectively, partnering with supportive others, and using technology if needed to ensure they follow through on their goals. Accountability is about confirming that the agenda set at the beginning of the session has been met and that the patient has a plan for staying on track.

Important questions for establishing accountability:

• How do you want to be accountable?
• What will you do if you go off your plan?
• Did you get what you needed today?

Accountability is essential for maintaining the progress made during the coaching session. It provides the patient with the support and structure needed to achieve their goals.

FAQ

Q1: What are the “Four As” of the coaching process?
A1: The “Four As” of the coaching process are Agenda Setting, Awareness Raising, Actions and Goal Setting, and Accountability. These steps form a structured approach that helps guide patients toward achieving their goals in a focused and effective manner.

Q2: How does Agenda Setting contribute to effective coaching?
A2: Agenda Setting is the first step in the coaching process, where the APRN works with the patient to clarify their needs and priorities. This step ensures that the coaching session is centered around what is most meaningful to the patient, making the process more relevant and impactful.

Q3: What role does Awareness Raising play in coaching?
A3: Awareness Raising is the second step in the coaching process. It involves asking powerful questions that help the patient gain new insights and shift their perspective. This step is crucial for helping the patient see their situation differently and identify potential solutions.

Q4: Why is Action and Goal Setting important in coaching?
A4: Action and Goal Setting is the third step in the coaching process. It links the awareness gained in the previous step to specific, actionable goals. This phase is about moving forward with purpose and ensuring that the coaching process leads to tangible outcomes.

Q5: How is Accountability established in the coaching process?
A5: Accountability is the final step in the coaching process. It involves ensuring that the patient follows through on their goals by using resources effectively, partnering with supportive others, and having a plan for staying on track. Accountability is essential for maintaining the progress made during the coaching session.

Q6: Can the “Four As” framework be applied to different coaching scenarios?
A6: Yes, the “Four As” framework is versatile and can be applied to various coaching scenarios, whether in healthcare, business, or personal development. The structured approach helps ensure that the coaching process is effective and goal-oriented.

Q7: How do powerful questions enhance the coaching process?
A7: Powerful questions are integral to the Awareness Raising step. They help the patient explore their assumptions, gain new insights, and shift their perspective. These questions are designed to provoke thought and encourage the patient to consider new possibilities.

Q8: What is the significance of linking awareness to action?
A8: Linking awareness to action is crucial because it ensures that the insights gained during the coaching session lead to concrete steps that the patient can take. This linkage helps translate ideas into actions, making the coaching process more effective.

Q9: How does the APRN maintain a partnership with the patient during coaching?
A9: The APRN maintains a partnership with the patient by working from the patient’s agenda, asking for permission before initiating coaching, and focusing on what is most meaningful to the patient. This approach ensures that the coaching process is collaborative and centered on the patient’s needs.

Q10: Why is it important to confirm that the agenda has been met during coaching?
A10: Confirming that the agenda has been met is important because it ensures that the coaching session has been productive and that the patient’s priorities have been addressed. This confirmation helps reinforce the patient’s commitment to their goals and maintains the focus of the coaching process.