Systemic Coaching – What it is, Methods, Techniques And Questions

Systemic Coaching – What it is, Methods, Techniques And Questions

Systemic coaching focuses on more than just the individual and their actions. It also considers the interaction of individual actions with the collective environment.

This article will explain what systemic coaching is, how it works, and also show its benefits.

A tiny seed carrying the potential for a beautiful plant illustrates the importance of systemic coaching. Recognizing one’s potential or setting specific goals is often not enough; it also requires a suitable environment to unfold this potential and make change happen.

For example, a seed may remain in the desert for ten years until conditions such as temperature, moisture, and soil quality are right to sprout.

This example illustrates that individuals are not entirely autonomous and rely on interaction with the system. Like the seed, which depends on these external conditions, humans also need a supportive environment to unfold their potential and achieve their goals.

Systemic Coaching: What is the system of a person? (Definition)

The system of a person encompasses all aspects of their life that are interconnected and mutually influential. This includes the person themself, encompassing physical and psychological health, intelligence, needs, influences, experiences, self-perception, self-awareness, and self-reflection.

Externally, it involves their relationships with other people (family, friends, partner, colleagues), their environment (work, place of residence, social environment, work atmosphere), and cultural and societal norms.

A person’s system is more than just the individual; it is a complex network of interactions considering how changes in one area can impact others.

Introduction to Systemic Coaching

The American Way of Thinking often doesn’t take the systemic aspect into consideration. Coaching originated in the United States, where the widespread belief is that one can achieve anything with enough willpower and the right mindset. “From rags to riches” is the claim! If one fails, the prevailing belief is that one should work on one’s mindset and beliefs.

This focus on the „ego“ and the individual forgets a vital aspect: While many coaching approaches focusing on NLP and mindset emphasize individual responsibility, we should recognize that every person interacts within a complex system.

As mentioned, systemic coaching also considers interactions with others and incorporates the respective environment to better achieve goals.

Therefore, it is too narrow-minded to focus solely on the individual client and their concerns – sustainable changes require a holistic, systemic approach. In this approach, the individual and their environment are mutually supportive and work together to achieve goals permanently.

What is systemic coaching? (Definition)

The endeavors and goals of the individual in a systemic context

Systemic coaching involves considering both individual free will and collective shaping possibilities. It requires aligning personal interests with collective perspectives that reflect external reality. Disparities and conflicts arise when individual reality does not align with collective reality.

For instance, a person is setting a personal goal to exclusively follow a vegan and ecologically conscious diet. Conflicts and discrepancies may arise if their environments, such as partners, family, or friends, share different values or goals regarding this lifestyle.

In this case, it becomes evident how the individual’s reality and intentions do not align with the collective reality of their social environment, inevitably leading to tensions.

What is meant by systemic coaching?

It is important to recognize that we are part of a larger organism and that our free will is subject to certain limitations within this system. Systemic coaching is about consciously deciding how far we can and want to go with our ideas.

In doing so, we also consider the feedback and cues from the outside to adjust our paths and act in harmony with the larger system.

Sustainable changes can be pursued in systemic coaching through understanding the interactions between the individual self and the surrounding system. It is about finding a balance between individual needs and the requirements of the collective whole to achieve a more fulfilling and harmonious life.

What is a systemic coach, and what do they do?

A systemic coach assists clients in recognizing and developing their individual potential and understanding the interactions of their actions with the collective environment. Through this holistic approach, the coach promotes the unfolding of personal goals within the context of the surrounding system.

What competencies and skills should a systemic coach possess?

A systemic coach should have a good systemic theory and practice knowledge to recognize and understand these complex interactions. They should be able to maintain an observer perspective throughout the coaching process.

An excellent systemic coach considers the client and their thinking and actions and views everything in the context of the associated system. Additionally, empathetic communication, active listening, flexibility, empathy, and the ability to promote self-reflection are essential coaching skills for systemic coaching.

Methods in Systemic Coaching

Classical methods in systemic coaching include systemic questioning techniques, constellations work, visualization techniques, metaphor work, and reframing. These methods enable exploration of the interactions between the individual and their environment, supporting clients in gaining new perspectives and achieving their goals within the context of the system.

Systemic Questions: An Art! Not only in systemic coaching

Systemic questions open up new perspectives and help your clients consider familiar viewpoints more differently.

They illustrate the relationships between different individuals and systems in which we operate daily (family, groups, work environment). Behaviors and connections are better understood and can subsequently be questioned or changed.

In this article, you will find the six most important systemic questions and questioning techniques, including sample questions.

When does Systemic Coaching make sense?

Systemic coaching is great when complex interpersonal dynamics arise. Classic examples include family conflicts and team, organizational development, and personal development.

In such situations, it is important to understand the system’s interactions, connections, and dependencies to enable sustainable changes.

It is crucial to recognize that, ultimately, every change affects the surrounding system of an individual, whether personal or professional. The systemic perspective is valuable as it considers the interactions and impacts of changes on the entire system.

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What is the difference between systemic counseling and coaching?

Systemic counseling focuses on solving problems and improving relationships in the professional and private environment.

Systemic coaching, on the other hand, focuses on individual goals, personal growth, and professional skills development. Both approaches utilize systemic principles but have different focuses.

Two examples illustrating the importance of a systemic approach in the Coaching process:

Example: The Career Change

Scenario 1 without a systemic approach:

A client decides to make a career change without considering the systemic environment. They focus solely on developing their professional skills and seeking new professional opportunities.

However, they neglect the impact of their decisions on their family, social relationships, and personal environment.

Scenario 2 with a systemic approach:

Another client, also seeking a career change, considers their systemic environment. They reflect on and consider the potential impact of their decisions on their family, relationship, and social network.

Through this holistic approach, they can set realistic goals, anticipate potential challenges, and build a supportive network, ultimately leading to a more sustainable and comprehensive change.

Example: Creating a Coaching Program

Scenario 1 without a systemic approach:

A coach builds a new coaching program that he considers to be particularly helpful and promising. He focuses exclusively on developing the program without considering the systemic environment. After the market launch, he realizes that there is no need or demand for this particular coaching product. This leads to failure and frustration.

Scenario 2 with a systemic approach:

Another coach also creates a new coaching program, but takes the systemic environment into account. Before developing the program, he conducts market research to understand the need and demand.

He takes feedback from potential clients to understand their needs and expectations. After a thorough analysis of the systemic environment, he adapts the program accordingly to meet the market needs. This leads to a successful launch process and a positive response to the coaching product.

Conclusion – Systemic Coaching

It is worthwhile to engage with systemic coaching as it allows for a holistic view of change and coaching processes. Applying systemic questions allows complex connections and interactions between the individual and their environment to be better understood. This enables profound changes and lasting personal growth.