Developing people we want to work with: A Positive Psychological Coaching Approach

Background: Despite the popularity of the term Positive Psychological Coaching (PPC) within the literature, there is no consensus how it should be defined (framed), what the components of a positive coaching “model” should involve and which developmental techniques/tools could be deployed in such a process.
Aims: The aim was to define PPC, to construct a clear demarcated positive coaching model and to determine the most commonly used tools supporting each phase of the process.

Method: A systematic literature review led to the extraction of 2252 records. All records were screened using specific inclusion/exclusion criteria, which resulted in the exclusion of records based on duplicates (n=1020), titles (n=895), abstracts (n=80) and criteria violations (n=22). Twenty-five academic, peer-reviewed publications on positive coaching were included. Data relating to definitions, models and tools/techniques were extracted and processed through thematic content analysis.

Results: PPC can be defined as a short to medium term professional, collaborative relationship between a client and coach, aimed at the identification, utilization, optimisation and development of personal strengths and resources in order to enhance positive states, traits and behaviours. Utilizing Socratic goal setting and positive psychological evidence-based approaches facilitates personal growth, optimal functioning, enhanced wellbeing and the actualization of people’s potential. Eight critical components of a positive psychological coaching model were identified and discussed. Finally, a list of practical tools/techniques relating to the development process were highlighted.

Conclusion: The definition, coaching process and tools identified in this study will provide coaches with a fundamental framework for developing people.