Aiding Transformation: Creating Action Steps  

Last week, we looked at the tests and temptations faced in life. We also explored how we can help our clients to recognise and understand when they are feeling unhealthy desires and to understand what is at the root of their struggle. This is the first step, and an essential one, but what comes next? It’s not enough to recognise a difficulty and understand why it is difficult. We also need to take action to overcome the difficulty. So, what can we do as mentors, coaches or professional supervisors to help our clients create an action plan?

Because action planning has been an issue I have faced with nearly every client, I decided to make a template to help my clients. I’ve found that using this template as a guide is immensely helpful. It works in four steps: Agree on an ideal outcome, Identify realistic next steps, Determine what will help achieve these steps, Reflect on growth.  Check out the ACTION PLAN template.

Let’s use the template with a simple example; say we have a client who has recognized that they struggle with tough conversations. After some work exploring the deeper roots of this struggle, we can agree that it stems from fear of conflict and a lack of confidence. This is good and difficult work, but our goal is not just to find truths but to enable transformation. 

1. What is the client’s ideal outcome? We agree that the ideal outcome is for them to be more assertive. Ask them to talk about a time when they failed to ask for what they wanted or needed; What was that like? What was happening for them that caused them not to say what they needed to say? The client admits that he feels intimidated by his boss, and that his lack of assertiveness is impacting his work. He wants to be able to be more honest with his boss and coworkers. We can ask, How would he feel if he was able to be more assertive? How would things change?

2. What are the next realistic steps? Speaking up to his boss may be too big for a first step. Often some practice can help build confidence. We could suggest small steps, like a resolution to politely say something next time they receive a bad coffee at the cafe. This could progress to sharing a hard but important truth with a close friend, and, after some practice, will end with speaking to his boss. 

3. What and who will help achieve these steps? In this example, the client might discuss what he will say to his boss with another person. He might also write down and practise what he will say. 

4. Reflect on Growth. Identifying next steps is a process that we can go through to get the outcomes we want; to grow in assertiveness, to work out what to say, then how and when to say it. To follow up about the resolution to speak up about a coffee, ask, “How did the conversation go? Did it work? Was there anything about your demeanour that caused them to respond a certain way? Would you do anything differently?” Following up is often the most important step, as it allows us both to consider what went right or wrong, and what the client might do differently next time.

We should never forget that our goal is to aid God’s transformation in our clients. We are there to help people to rethink who they are, to explore their identity and behaviour. 

Reflection Questions: 

Identify an area for growth and use the template above. 

Reflect on the process.

Where are my accountable relationships?

Next Step: Can we help you find an accountable relationship? https://vervelead.com/contact/