Coaching Tools
A collection of coaching tools for effective practice
TL;DR Summary
Coaching is more than the application of specific tools; it is fundamentally based on a strong coaching relationship. That said, here is a collection of coaching tools that can support your practice.
These tools serve different purposes — from challenging beliefs and gathering feedback to exploring values and building motivation. Use them thoughtfully, always in service of the coaching relationship and the client's goals.
Hashtags:#Coaching #CoachingRelationships #CoachingTools
Introduction
Effective coaching relies on the quality of the relationship between coach and client. Tools and techniques can enhance this relationship, but they should never replace the fundamental human connection that makes coaching work.
The following collection represents 54 coaching tools, each with a specific purpose. Some help challenge limiting beliefs, others explore values or relationships, and some provide structure for coaching conversations.
Use these tools as a starting point, adapting them to fit your coaching style and your client's needs.
Coaching Tools Reference
| Tool | Main Use | More |
|---|---|---|
| ABCDEF | Challenging a person's beliefs | Link |
| Ask Five People | Gathering feedback | Link |
| Beliefs Timeline | Revisiting the formation of belief | Link |
| Career Timeline | Career Coaching Work | Link |
| Constellations | Explores the system the client is in | Link |
| Derive | Shifting perspectives | Link |
| GROW Model | Structuring a coaching conversation | Link |
| Hot Seat Questioning | Generating coaching questions from a group | Link |
| Inner Cast of Characters | Working with conflicting thoughts | Link |
| Kline Incisive Questions | To address limiting beliefs or assumptions | Link |
| McClelland Values | Understanding values | Link |
| Metaphor Through Picture Cards | Shifting perspective | Link |
| Peak Experience | Working with values | Link |
| Perceptual Positions | Relationships | Link |
| Post it Notes | Addressing limiting beliefs | Link |
| Relationship Graph | Exploring relationships | Link |
| TA Questionnaire | Reflecting on drivers | Link |
| Triad Meetings | Agreeing outcomes in organisational setting | Link |
| Wheel of Anything | Exploration | Link |
| Vision Chairs | Building motivation to change behaviour | Link |
| 50 Values | To create an increased sense of fulfilment | Link |
| Aligning Life Goals & Well-being | Clarity on life goals that drive well-being | Link |
| Anchoring | Feel calm in situations that cause concern | Link |
| Appreciative Inquiry Questions | Build self-esteem, highlight positive attributes | Link |
| Authentic Self | Build self-esteem and confidence | Link |
| Behavioural Rehearsal | To practice new behaviours | Link |
| Blobs | Shift perspective | Link |
| Concordant Goals | To help with goal setting | Link |
| Face Your FABs | Addressing procrastination | Link |
| Fulfilling Goals | To help with goal formulation | Link |
| Identify Your Strengths | Building confidence | Link |
| Immunity to Change Model | To uncover internal barriers to change | Link |
| Inner Toddler | For people pleasing or low assertiveness | Link |
| Learning Styles Questionnaire | Identify learning style | Link |
| Loss Letter | Dealing with loss or change | Link |
| Miracle Question | Envisioning the future | Link |
| Obstacle Analysis Grid | Identifying blocks and overcoming resistance | Link |
| People in My Life | Considering supporting network of people | Link |
| Personal SWOT | Career assessment and planning | Link |
| Positive Psychology | Building happiness and well-being | Link |
| Questions to Ask | Decision making questions | Link |
| Responsibility Pie Chart | Developing balance on responsibility | Link |
| Save the Date | Addressing procrastination | Link |
| Success Timeline | Building appreciation of strengths | Link |
| Taking Risks | Building confidence | Link |
| The Seven Key Questions | To uncover limiting beliefs and fears | Link |
| Thinking Environment | To enable thinking | Link |
| Three Good Things | Build confidence and self-esteem | Link |
| Twelve Trait Assessment | Trait assessment and self-awareness | Link |
| Twenty Things I like To Do | Reflect on values and things of importance | Link |
| VIA Signature Strengths | Identify and work with strengths | Link |
| Ways of Changing Focus | Shift perspective | Link |
| Well-formed Outcomes | To help with goal setting | Link |
| Write your Own Job Reference | Building confidence | Link |
Using These Tools Effectively
Remember that tools are only as effective as the relationship in which they're used. Before reaching for a technique, ensure you've established trust, clarity of purpose, and genuine curiosity about your client's experience.
The best coaches know when to use a tool and when to simply listen. Let the client's needs guide your choice, not the other way around.