“Answers are closed rooms; and questions are open doors that invite us in.”
Nancy Willard

Continuing our study of Michael Bungay Stanier’s book, The Coaching Habit, this article will take a deeper look at his Kickstart Question by focusing on the 3P Model.

The 3P Model is a framework for choosing what to focus on in a coaching conversation. It helps to determine what is at the heart of the topic or challenge. Typically, what the person wants is centered on one of the following – a Project, a Person, or a Pattern of behavior.

Projects

A project is the content of the situation; what the person is working on. Generally, this is the easiest to work on and is most frequently what our coaching conversations center around. Strategies, solutions, brainstorming are usually the outcome of this kind of conversation. The coaching finesse is knowing when one or both of the other P’s is involved.

Person/People

This is where our work becomes more complex. People work is messy work. And, the truth is that more times than not, it’s about a relationship and our role in the relationship that is the real dilemma. How do we say what needs to be said while preserving the trust and safety required for a strong relationship?

Patterns

This is about patterns of behavior and ways of working we would like to change. Because they are personal and challenging, they hold the greatest potential for growth. Reflective feedback conversations which include recognition of what’s working as well as questions that provoke thinking of options and possibilities can create a space for insight and awareness of what a person wants to change.

As a Coach Leader, you engage in many conversations. Take a minute to see how this Model can support the direction and the focus of the conversations you have this week.