Alignment

This format is used to bring about a behavioral change. The focus for coaching is a behavior or situation the coachee is dissatisfied with, a skill the coachee wants to develop, or a resource they want to engage with. To achieve greater success in the topic, the coachee goes through the Neurological Levels, gathering resources for their behavior along the way. As a group coaching method, the format is also suitable as a team-building measure (Group Alignment).

Process

Step 1:

Clarifying the Issue: First, the coachee's concern is clarified. This may involve a behavior they want to change, a situation in which they want to act more effectively, or a skill they wish to acquire or improve. Floor anchors are used in this step. The coachee chooses a line in the room along which they will walk through the six neurological levels, starting from a defined point.

Step 2:

Environmental Level: The coachee now places themselves into the problem situation. They immerse themselves with all their senses and first describe all the impressions they perceive in the environment — such as where they are, who is around them, what they hear, see, feel, smell, etc. The coach takes notes for each level and places them at the corresponding spot.

Step 3:

Behavior Level: The coachee takes a step forward to the next level. They explore different aspects of their behavior in the situation. This includes basic actions like breathing, sitting, listening, or speaking, as well as more complex behaviors like analyzing, gathering ideas, or reflecting.

Step 4:

Skills Level: With the next step, the coachee enters the level of skills. They begin by describing basic skills behind their behavior, such as the ability to speak, listen, or think. This makes it easier to reframe perceived weaknesses and recognize more complex competencies. The coach helps by transforming negative statements like “I can’t say no” into positive qualities such as “helpfulness” or “sense of duty.”

Step 5:

Values Level: Once the coachee is aware of their behavior and the skills involved, the motives behind them are explored. They describe what matters to them and which values and beliefs drive their behavior and skills in that situation. It's important to ensure values are stated positively.

Step 6:

Identity Level: On the identity level, the coachee looks for a metaphor that represents their identity. They perceive themselves in the situation with their values, skills, and behavior, and express this sense of self with an image or symbol. The coach can support this process with targeted questions.

Step 7:

Level of Spirituality: At the highest level, the coachee explores the question of connection to something greater. They look for a higher power or greater whole to which they feel connected and of which they feel a part. This higher energy or force is illustrated through an image or gesture.

Step 8:

Expanding Resources Across All Levels: The coachee lingers in the feeling of connectedness before walking back through the levels, now experiencing them with newfound strength. Along the way, new qualities in identity, values, skills, behavior, or environment may emerge. The coachee absorbs all resources and integrates them into each subsequent level.

Evaluation:

Finally, the effectiveness of the coaching is assessed. The coachee steps out of the exercise and describes changes and their current attitude toward the original issue.