Coaching doesn't always need to be a formal conversation; sometimes it can be a quick CHAT.

The CHAT model is a bespoke, four-step framework designed to facilitate a focused, honest, and actionable coaching conversation. Moving beyond static structure, CHAT is a dynamic process that encourages deep self-inquiry and commitment, ensuring that clients not only define their path but also understand the internal and external forces shaping it.

The initial stage of CHAT is dedicated to laser-focusing the conversation. This isn't just about naming a problem; it's about digging beneath surface-level frustrations to identify the most potent and useful topic for exploration.

Key Exploration Questions:

• What feels most important for us to explore today?
• What has been genuinely occupying your mind?
• What is the real challenge you're facing?
• What single thing would be the most useful to unpack in this conversation?

Honesty demands a deep, unfiltered look at previous efforts and the internal landscape. This step moves past superficial analysis to confront the 'why' behind stalled progress, focusing specifically on personal accountability and self-imposed limitations.

Key Exploration Questions:

• What have you tried so far, and why hasn't it worked?
• What consistently gets in the way of progress?
• How much of the challenge is rooted in your unbeliefs, organizational politics, or personal biases?
• What is the deepest, most difficult truth you need to admit about this situation?

The Angle stage introduces critical thinking and empathy by pushing the client to view the challenge through various lenses. By stepping into different roles or perspectives, clients can unlock new solutions and reframe their emotional investment in the problem.

Key Exploration Questions:

• What different perspectives or angles have you considered?
• How would the person with whom you have this problem describe the situation?
• If this situation were happening to you (and you were not the initiator), how would you want it to be approached?
• What would an uninvolved observer advise you to do?

The final stage ensures the conversation culminates in concrete movement. Take Action is focused on defining specific, measurable steps and building a robust accountability system to ensure follow-through and measurable results.

Key Exploration Questions:

• What specific result do you want to achieve, and what are you going after?
• What feels important for us to complete right now?
• When exactly will you commit to completing this action?
• Who do you need support from, and what does that support look like?
• How and when will we check in on this commitment?

A key strength of the CHAT model is its non-linear design. You can fluidly move between any of the four elements at any point in the conversation. If a client commits to an action (T) and realizes it’s overwhelming, the coach can immediately guide them back to:

• Challenge (C): Re-scope the goal.
• Honesty (H): Explore the unbelief or fear that is causing resistance.
• Angle (A): Reframe the action to make it feel less intimidating.
• Take Action (T): Break the commitment down into smaller, initial steps or refine the accountability structure.

This flexibility ensures the conversation remains responsive to the client's reality, leading to deeper, more sustainable change.