It’s an amazing resource for your book shelf –
Jaime Simpson
The essence of Choice theory is summed up by the books sub line
“Choosing the life you want to live and staying close to
the people you need.” Choice theory to me is an informational
and practical model designed to support people to have great and
lasting relationships.
Life is about relationship with others. People’s individual
problems, concerns, issues could be solved if they understood
that they have the ability to choose what they want out of life,
who they allow to speak into their lives and who they want to
be close to.
Relevance to coaching
Coaching is a powerful relationship for people making important
changes in their lives. Choice theory solidifies that the client’s
choices and actions will determine their results in life.
"Choice theory is an internal control psychology;
it explains why and how we make the choices that determine the
course of our lives” pg. 7
This is very important in the coaching process. The client is
responsible for their choices and actions, not the coach. Coaching
is all about supporting the client to make the right choices to
get to the right destination. It’s not about making the
choices for the client.
Choice theory teaches that the only person you can control is
yourself. I believe that this is so important for a coach to understand.
When I first started out coaching, my first client really didn’t
make any progress, I kept thinking, “what am I doing wrong”
maybe the fieldwork isn’t good enough etc – but I
slowly realised that the client wasn’t willing to take responsibility
for their own life and wouldn’t choose to move forward.
So as a Coach, I need to understand that I can only control me,
my behaviour and the client is responsible for their choices.
The coaching relationship will benefit greatly when both the
coach and client understand this principle.
I believe when the client realises that they are in control of
their lives and no one else then the light will go on.
