UNDERPINNING THEORY BEHIND MANAGEMENT COACHING
HUMANISTIC PSYCHOLOGY
At the heart of coaching lies unconditional positive regard — the idea that every person has the capacity to grow, given the right environment. This concept, rooted in the work of Carl Rogers, guides the coaching relationship: it’s non-judgmental, empathetic, and deeply respectful of your autonomy.
CONSTRUCTIVIST THEORY
We all create meaning based on our experiences, and coaching taps into this by helping clients reframe beliefs that may be limiting their potential. It’s not about telling you what’s true, it’s about helping you see what’s possible.
ADULT LEARNING THEORY
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THEORY
Coaching respects the way adults learn best: by setting their own goals, solving real problems, and drawing from experience. It’s not directive, it’s a collaborative process where the client’s voice leads.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THEORY
COGNITIVE BEHAVIOURAL THEORY
Much of coaching borrows from CBT — particularly the understanding that our thoughts influence our behaviours. Coaching helps clients notice unhelpful thinking patterns, challenge them, and replace them with healthier perspectives.
NEURO-LINGUISTIC PROGRAMMING
NLP brings attention to how language shapes our thinking. The words we use — with others and ourselves — can limit or empower us. Coaching uses language mindfully to help shift mindset and unlock change.
REAL WORLD INTEGRATION
These theories aren’t just academic — they’re blended into every coaching session to create real, measurable change. With the right tools and frameworks, coaching becomes more than a conversation — it becomes a launchpad for transformation.
COACHING TOOLS IN THE BOX
Below is a selection of tools used in the coaching process, and how they work
1. GROW Model
(Goal – Reality – Options – Will)
A foundational coaching framework that brings structure to problem-solving.
In business:
Used to clarify goals, navigate decision-making, explore strategies, and move clients from “stuck” to “action.” Perfect for managers dealing with team challenges or business owners unsure of their next step.
2. Beliefs & Labels Work
Explores the internal narratives that limit potential, like “I’m not a real leader” or “I’m bad with people.”
In business:
This is critical for tackling imposter syndrome, improving self-perception, and helping professionals show up more confidently in meetings, negotiations, or leadership roles.
3. Values Elicitation
Identifying a client’s core personal and professional values to align actions and decisions.
In business:
Used to avoid burnout, clarify career direction, improve leadership style, and make strategic decisions based on what truly matters — not just what feels urgent.
4. Time & Energy Mapping
Looks at how clients spend their time and what drains vs. fuels them. Goes beyond basic time management.
In business:
Helps overwhelmed business owners restructure their weeks, delegate effectively, and re-prioritise their role to focus on high-value tasks.
5. Boundary Coaching
Helping clients define, communicate, and maintain healthy personal and professional boundaries.
In business:
Supports managers in handling workload, avoiding micromanagement, navigating client overreach, and improving work-life balance.
6. SWOT Analysis (with a twist)
Coaching-oriented SWOTs (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) focus not just on business strategy but personal leadership insight.
In business:
Used to help team leads or founders assess themselves or their business, identify blind spots, and make proactive moves.
7. Inner Critic / Inner Mentor Exercises
Draws from coaching psychology to help clients identify their negative internal voice and access a wiser, more grounded version of themselves.
In business:
Great for professionals who second-guess decisions, struggle with feedback, or want to strengthen their executive presence.
8. SMARTER Goal Setting
Refining basic SMART goals to also include “Exciting” and “Recorded” — making them more motivating and trackable.
In business:
Improves strategic planning, especially when coaching through business growth phases, role development, or performance review prep.
9. Accountability Check-Ins
Simple but powerful. Agreeing on action steps and circling back in the next session.
In business:
Creates gentle but effective momentum for people who’ve been stuck in “I know what I should be doing” territory.
MANAGEMENT COACHING AT REALISTIC RATES
Ready to get to work?
You don’t need more surface-level productivity tips. You don’t need to “fake it till you make it.” And you certainly don’t need to keep leading, building, or surviving in a way that exhausts you.
What you do need — is space.
Space to think clearly.
To be challenged gently.
To reconnect with your strengths, reframe your blocks, and realign your leadership with who you really are.
At Project Transform Coaching, this isn’t just talk — it’s grounded in theory, backed by tools, and tailored entirely to you. We might explore:
- The psychology that drives your decisions
- The inner critic shaping your confidence
- The values that define your leadership
- The systems stealing your time
- The beliefs quietly holding you back
Using tried-and-tested frameworks like GROW, values elicitation, boundary coaching, time mapping, and mindset work drawn from CBT, NLP, and adult learning theory, I’ll guide you through real transformation — one thoughtful conversation at a time.
You don’t need to be a CEO to invest in coaching. You just need to be ready for things to change.
