The evolution of two coaching traditions continues to shape how we practice coaching today, writes Chris Morgan. He defines the two main approaches and asserts the importance of integrating mental-state alignment and behavioral execution to achieve a more reliable and sustainable shift in team performance:
- Behavior-based coaching: rooted in behaviorism, focused on shaping observable actions; assess, instruct, reward.
- Mental-state coaching: grounded in humanistic psychology, focused on raising awareness and self-actualization through reflection and trust.
Source: Industry Week, September 5, 2025. Link.
Coaching is at its best when it meets the whole person—mind, goals, and actions. The field will move forward when more coaches are trained not in one method, but in the integration of both.” – Chris Morgan
INSIGHTS: Most teams fall short because of one or more predictable challenges Morgan identifies. This validates why the integrated coaching approach makes the biggest impact.
NOTE: The article may interest those taking part in WILMAH’s newly enhanced MentorEase platform. Link.