Models for coaching
Iceberg Model
Useful in coaching for ADHD, Healing, Self-Awareness, Understanding Behaviour
What is the Iceberg Model?
The Iceberg Model is a conceptual framework that helps coaches, consultants, and individuals identify the underlying causes of observed events and behaviours. The model, inspired by the visible and hidden portions of an iceberg, consists of four levels that represent increasingly deeper layers of understanding. These levels are:
- Events
- Patterns and Trends
- Underlying Structures
- Mental Models
The Iceberg Model is based on the premise that the majority of what influences our behaviour and decision-making lies beneath the surface, much like an iceberg. By diving deeper into each level, coaches can gain a better understanding of the driving forces behind a client’s actions, thoughts, and beliefs, ultimately empowering them to facilitate lasting change. Originally developed to support system thinking, the model is highly adaptable and useful for coaching as it focuses on the link between behaviour and underlying mental frameworks.
How can the Iceberg Model be used in coaching?
The Iceberg Model can be used in coaching to help both coaches and clients gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that influence behaviour and decision-making. By working through each level of the model, coaches can identify the root causes of a client’s challenges, enabling them to address these issues more effectively.
Utilising the Iceberg Model in coaching involves asking probing questions, engaging in active listening, and reflecting on the client’s responses to gain insight into their beliefs, values, and assumptions. Through this process, coaches can help clients uncover and address the deeper issues that may be holding them back, while fostering a greater sense of self-awareness and personal growth.
In a coaching setting, the Iceberg Model can also serve as a valuable framework for facilitating open, honest conversations about the underlying beliefs and assumptions that may be influencing a client’s behaviour and decision-making. This process can help clients recognise and challenge limiting beliefs, paving the way for more effective decision-making and more fulfilling lives.
Stages of the Iceberg Model for Coaching Individuals
1. Events
The first level of the Iceberg Model focuses on the events that are readily observable in an individual’s life. These events can include specific actions, decisions, or behaviours, as well as the immediate outcomes and consequences of these actions. At this stage, coaches work with clients to identify and understand the events that are causing challenges or concerns.
As coaches and clients discuss these events, it’s essential to explore not only the surface-level details but also the thoughts, emotions, and motivations behind them. This deeper understanding can help coaches guide clients toward more effective solutions and long-term change.
2. Patterns and Trends
The second level of the Iceberg Model involves examining patterns and trends in an individual’s life. By identifying recurring themes and patterns, coaches can help clients understand how these patterns may be contributing to their current challenges.
Patterns and trends may manifest in various ways, such as repeated behaviours, recurring emotional responses, or consistent decision-making habits. By recognising these patterns, clients can begin to understand the underlying factors driving their actions and take steps to break free from unhelpful cycles.
3. Underlying Structures
The third level of the Iceberg Model delves into the underlying structures that shape an individual’s behaviours, beliefs, and decision-making processes. These structures can include social norms, cultural influences, organisational systems, and personal values.
At this stage, coaches work with clients to explore how these underlying structures may be influencing their actions and thoughts. By understanding the broader context in which their decisions are made, clients can begin to recognise and challenge the assumptions and beliefs that may be holding them back.
4. Mental Models
The fourth and deepest level of the Iceberg Model focuses on an individual’s mental models – the beliefs, assumptions, and values that shape their perception of the world and influence their decision-making. Mental models are often deeply ingrained and can be difficult to change.
Coaches can help clients identify and examine their mental models, encouraging them to challenge and reevaluate any limiting beliefs or assumptions. This process can lead to significant personal growth and transformation, as clients develop new perspectives and ways of thinking.
Examples of how to use the Iceberg Model
The Iceberg Model can be applied in various coaching contexts, such as personal development, career coaching, or leadership development. Here are some examples of how to use the Iceberg Model in different coaching scenarios:
- In career coaching, the Iceberg Model can help clients identify patterns and trends in their work history, such as repeated job changes or dissatisfaction in specific roles. By exploring the underlying structures and mental models that may be contributing to these patterns, clients can gain insight into their career goals and develop more targeted strategies for achieving them.
- In leadership development, the Iceberg Model can be used to explore a leader’s decision-making and communication styles, as well as the underlying beliefs and values that influence these behaviours. This process can help leaders become more self-aware, enabling them to adapt their leadership style to better meet the needs of their team and organisation.
- In personal development coaching, the Iceberg Model can assist clients in understanding the root causes of their challenges, such as low self-esteem or difficulties in personal relationships. By examining the underlying structures and mental models that shape their thoughts and actions, clients can work toward creating lasting change in their lives.
Limitations of the Iceberg Model
While the Iceberg Model can be an effective tool for gaining insight into the deeper factors that influence an individual’s behaviour and decision-making, it does have some limitations:
- The model assumes that all behaviour and decision-making can be traced back to underlying structures and mental models. However, human behaviour is complex and can sometimes be influenced by factors outside of these structures, such as external circumstances or unconscious processes.
- The Iceberg Model may not be suitable for all clients or coaching scenarios. Some individuals may find it difficult to engage in the introspective process required by the model, while others may require a different approach to address their specific needs and goals.
- The process of uncovering and addressing deeply ingrained mental models can be challenging and time-consuming. Coaches and clients must be prepared for the potential emotional and psychological challenges that may arise during this process.
Summary
The Iceberg Model is a valuable tool for coaches seeking to help clients gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that influence their behaviour and decision-making. By exploring each level of the model – events, patterns and trends, underlying structures, and mental models – coaches can guide clients toward greater self-awareness and personal growth, ultimately empowering them to create lasting change in their lives.
However, coaches must also be aware of the limitations of the model and be prepared to adapt their approach to meet the unique needs and goals of each client. Utilising the Iceberg Model in coaching involves active listening, asking probing questions, and fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions.
By incorporating the Iceberg Model into their coaching practice, coaches can help clients achieve greater clarity, insight, and understanding, ultimately leading to more effective decision-making and a more fulfilling life. As a coach, it’s important to remember that the journey of personal growth and transformation is a unique and individual process for each client, and the Iceberg Model can serve as a valuable framework for facilitating this process.
The Iceberg Model is a powerful tool that can help coaches and clients gain a deeper understanding of the underlying factors that influence behaviour and decision-making. By exploring each level of the model, coaches can guide clients towards greater self-awareness, personal growth, and lasting change. While the model has some limitations, it remains a valuable framework for facilitating open and honest conversations about the factors that shape our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours.
As a coach, leveraging the Iceberg Model in your practice requires active listening, asking probing questions, and fostering a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore their thoughts and emotions. By incorporating the Iceberg Model into your coaching practice, you can help clients achieve greater clarity, insight, and understanding, ultimately leading to more effective decision-making and a more fulfilling life.
Iceberg Model for Coaching – download
Use this template as a starting point to explore the how events and influenced by patterns, structures and mental models.
Other Coaching Models
Here’s some more helpful coaching and self-reflection models
Four Laws of Behaviour Change
Jung’s Model of the Psyche
