COMMUNICATIONWeeks to result

Sorting Toward Coaching Framework

Hear coaching as coaching

Problem it solves

poor communication

Best for

Individuals seeking to improve their communication skills and receive feedback effectively

Not ideal for

Those who are not open to feedback and coaching

Overview

Why this framework exists

The Sorting Toward Coaching Framework is about recognizing the difference between coaching and evaluation, and sorting feedback into the appropriate category. By focusing on coaching, individuals can learn and grow without being limited by fixed assumptions and identity triggers.

Core principles

3 total
  1. Recognize the difference between coaching and evaluation.
  2. Sort feedback into the appropriate category.
  3. Focus on coaching to learn and grow.

Steps

2 steps
  1. Recognize the Difference Between Coaching and Evaluation
    Become aware of the difference between coaching and evaluation, and recognize when feedback is intended as one or the other.
    Pro tipAsk for clarification if you're unsure whether feedback is coaching or evaluation.
    WarningDon't assume that all feedback is evaluative - this can limit your ability to learn and grow.
  2. Sort Feedback into the Appropriate Category
    Sort feedback into either the coaching or evaluation category, and focus on the coaching aspects to learn and grow.
    Pro tipKeep a journal to track your feedback and sort it into categories.
    WarningDon't get defensive or dismissive of feedback that is evaluative - this can limit your ability to learn and grow.

Checklist

Saved in your browser

Examples

1 cases
Elsbeth's Presentation

Elsbeth receives feedback on her presentation from a client, who suggests that she amp up the energy level. Elsbeth can choose to hear this as either coaching or evaluation, and focus on the coaching aspects to learn and grow.

OutcomeElsbeth learns to receive feedback in a way that is constructive and supportive of growth and development, and becomes more effective in her presentations.

Common mistakes

1 traps
Assuming All Feedback is Evaluative
Assuming that all feedback is evaluative can limit your ability to learn and grow, and reinforce fixed assumptions.

Origin story

How this framework came to be

The concept of sorting toward coaching is rooted in the idea that feedback can be either evaluative or coaching-oriented. By recognizing the difference, individuals can learn to receive feedback in a way that is constructive and supportive of growth and development.

Source

Traced to primary
Source · BOOK
Thanks for the Feedback: The Science and Art of Receiving Feedback Well
Douglas Stone · 2014
Open source →