Coach Training: Laddering Concept

Overview

• Laddering: A questioning process to create internal awareness through a step-by-step process.
• Integrated into the Certificate in Professional Coaching program.
• Part of WellForm goal, PROG, and SCRIPT process.

Upward Laddering

• Aims to connect clients to higher motivations and desired outcomes.
• Involves asking questions about importance and meaning: "What's important about that?"
• Desired Outcome Laddering: Focuses on what is deeply connected to the person’s goals.
• Best Laddering: Disruptive or positive questioning about the best aspects.
  • Example: "What's the best thing about that?"
• Importance of presence and engagement with the client.

Horizontal Laddering

Forward Laddering

• Involves thinking in steps forward to create a plan.
• Questions include: "What's the next step?"
• Can involve assumptions or presuppositions.

Backward Laddering

• Used when the end goal is clear but steps are not.
• Questions include: "What needs to happen before that?"
• Helps clients understand prerequisites and sequence.

Micro Deconstruction

• Deconstructs incidents for awareness of choices.
• Focuses on emotional balance and triggering events.
• Helps identify when choices were made or left to autopilot.

Downward Laddering

• Focuses on reaching the dreaded outcome (worst-case scenario).
• Questions can include: "What's the worst thing about that?"
• Used with caution, checks for client’s readiness.
• Involves confirming assumptions: "Is this true all the time?"
• Can be used disruptively and playfully.

Practical Application

• Practice laddering with micro practices and within the MACE model framework.
• Goal: Integrate laddering into coaching to enhance client awareness and resourcefulness.

Conclusion

• Laddering helps clients connect to meaningful outcomes and resourcefulness.
• Documents with questions are provided for practice.
• Encouragement to explore and create value through laddering in coaching.