Align

The Align phase is a pivotal point in the coaching process. It brings the insights gained from the assessment phase into focus and connects them to the coachee’s goals, values, and behaviours. This phase helps the coachee identify where their current realities match—or differ from—their aspirations, laying the groundwork for the change and action needed to close that gap. During this phase, the coachee achieves a deeper sense of clarity, allowing them to reframe challenges and focus on the desired future.

Activities

Several critical activities help facilitate alignment between the coachee’s self-assessment and their broader goals:

1. Validation of Assessment Results: The coachee and coach review the data gathered during the assessment phase, whether it be personality tests, 360° feedback, or personal reflections. Together, they determine how accurately these results reflect the coachee’s self-perception and lived experience.

2. Values-Gap Analysis: The coach works with the coachee to identify misalignments between their core values and current actions. For instance, if the coachee values work-life balance but consistently overworks, this phase reveals such gaps.

3. Future Possibilities Exploration: In this activity, the coach encourages the coachee to explore alternative perspectives and consider different ways of viewing challenges or opportunities. This may involve imagining different career paths, leadership styles, or strategies for achieving balance and success.

4. Reframing Challenges: The coach helps the coachee reframe current obstacles by asking them to view challenges from a new perspective. This could involve shifting the focus from what isn't working to identifying actionable steps toward a solution.

5. Values Alignment Exercise: This structured exercise prompts the coachee to rank their current priorities against their values. If misalignments exist, the coach facilitates a discussion on realign actions with deeply held beliefs.

6. Action Prioritisation: The coach and coachee collaborate to prioritise goals and actions, ensuring that these align with both personal values and professional objectives. This often involves a focused discussion on what will yield the greatest sense of fulfilment and achievement.

Coaching Questions

The coach asks questions that probe the coachee’s values, goals, and self-awareness to ensure a smooth alignment process. These questions help the coachee reflect deeply and clarify what they truly want.

1. "How do these insights from the assessment align with your current goals and values?" This question encourages the coachee to reflect on whether their actions, behaviour, and priorities are aligned with their broader aspirations and values.

2. "Where do you see gaps between what you value and how you’re currently operating?" A powerful way to help the coachee identify misalignments between their core values and current behaviour, highlighting areas where they may need to shift focus.

3. "What possibilities or alternatives are emerging for you as we explore this?" This invites the coachee to think creatively about alternative pathways or perspectives that could lead to better alignment with their goals.

4. "How would aligning your actions with your values change your day-to-day experience?" Encourages the coachee to envision the impact of realignment on their personal and professional life, creating a sense of excitement and clarity around the benefits of change.

5. "What needs to shift for you to feel more aligned with your goals?" This helps the coachee focus on specific changes in behaviour, mindset, or strategy that will bring them closer to alignment with their values and aspirations.

6. "What would success look like if your goals and values aligned perfectly?" Encourages the coachee to visualise a future where their values, goals, and actions are perfectly aligned, offering a compelling vision to work towards.

The Align phase is crucial in helping coachees recognise where they stand versus where they want to be. Through careful exploration and powerful questioning, the coach helps the coachee clarify their misalignments and identify actionable steps to correct the course. This phase bridges assessment and action, setting the stage for accountability and lasting transformation.