Sometimes I’m so close to TLA that I forget the basics. A new client asked a series of questions recently that called for some definitions that I thought it might be useful to share on my blog. Great for reflection. The first being this one:
What’s the different between TLA and Executive Coaching? How is it different / similar to Executive Coaching?
TLA is a core coaching process which has been enhanced to specifically deliver results for learning transfer. In terms of methodology, there are two core models: the ACTION coaching model and the TLA triangle. The ACTION model is the foundation of the process – Accountability, Calibration, Target, Information, Options and Next Steps.
The skill of layering the ACTION model with the TLA triangle is what creates great results. The TLA triangle encompasses “being listening” (vs doing listening), powerful questions and the crucial balance between structure and flexibility during the process. This balance enables reflection – thus creating insight and ownership for change whilst having enough structure to create accountability.
A note worth mentioning here is – the models are used by the coaches in facilitating change for the participants. The participants however are not made aware of the models.
Many Executive Coaches have developed their own very effective methodologies for getting results. They do however, tend to find it difficult to communicate this or replicate it across different coaches / countries and sectors. With 10 years of experience in Learning Transfer, the TLA methodology has achieved duplicability.
Typically the TLA process has 3 stages:
1. Preparation – this is where TLA links to the course content, the commitments are captured on Action Plans and Learning Agreements are signed.
2. Action – refers to the telephone conversations over a period of time. For 2 calls, the first would occur three weeks after the program with the second following four weeks later.
3. Evaluation – the final stage where the participants complete an online progress review form from which responses are collated and used to form a dashboard.
The similarities between Executive Coaching and TLA are:
- Both are question (rather than instruction) based processes
- Both have ‘reflection’ at the core
- We believe that in both, the participant can solve their own challenges which creates ownership for change.
The differences are:
- TLA is faster paced, results focused and delivered by phone to create change based on learnings from attending a training program / process
Matching coaches to participants is a given in an executive coaching scenario but rarely comes into play for TLA. This is because in TLA the change is created by the participant having a conversion with themselves. It’s not about how well they feel they can relate to their coach it’s about how well the coach facilitates them relating with themselves.
I’m open to comments and reflections…..