Values Based Coaching

Values based coaching is an approach which recognises that understanding one’s values lie at the heart of any personal or organisational change programme.

So what is a value?
Put simply a value is what is important to you and something you will consistently choose to prioritise towards in your life.

Examples of values include:

• Achievement
• Loyalty
• Respect
• Nurture
• Care of the environment
• Belonging
• Security
• Being oneself

What is the relevance of understanding values in coaching?

Understanding values lies at the heart of motivation. If you know what is important to you and behave and make decisions which are congruent with your values you are more likely to feel happier and more motivated. If you set goals and make plans which are not congruent with your values then you are unlikely to be fulfilled or motivated to achieve them. (Have you ever wondered why those New Year’s resolutions never seem to stick?)

A good trained values-based coach will help a client clarify and identify their values, (many people think they know what their values are but often a values elicitation session with a trained coach uncovers some surprises), help them understand what motivates them, uncover resistances to change and take action that is congruent with what is important to them.

Further Reading:

Values based coaching is a passion of mine and I found these three books to be truly inspirational.

What Matters Most : The Power of Living Your Values by Hyrum W. Smith (Paperback - 29 Oct 2001)

Finding True North: Discover Your Values, Enrich Your Life by M. Henderson (Paperback - Feb 2004)

Leading Through Values by M. Henderson, Shar Henderson, and Douglas Thompson (Paperback - May 2006)

See Also:-
Coaching Aproaches
Solutions Focused Coaching
Non-directive Coaching
Directive Coaching
Content Focused Coaching
Goal Focused Coaching
Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) coaching
Values Elicitation Exercise

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