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July 19, 2010

Solution-Listening Set-Aside

Cognitive Coaching^SM has four "capabilities of a mediator" which Costa and Garmston describe as "metacognitive attributes of a mediator."¹ Those capabilities or attributes are:

1. Know one's intentions and choose congruent behaviors.
    
2. Adjust one's style preferences.
    
3. Navigate between and within coaching maps and support functions to guide mediational interactions.
    
4. Set aside unproductive patterns of listening, responding, and inquiring.²

During the month of July, "Sustaining the Journey" will be focusing on setting aside unproductive patterns of listening, responding, and inquiring.

A solution-finding listener is well intentioned, but is not helping the thinker to be resourceful or self-directed. The coach has moved away from a mediator of a person's thinking to a problem solver, advisor, or a "consultant." Perseverating on potential solutions detracts from authentic and intentional listening and may limit the myriad of potential solutions that the thinker might brainstorm. When coaches hear themselves say, "Here's what might work. . . ," or "Why don't you try. . . ," they have moved into solution-finding. Importantly, when listeners are coming up with "great solutions," they might miss something that is more important to the thinker. There is danger in facilitating for the thinker as compared to mediating for the thinker.

This week, as you listen with intentionality to others, ask yourself what might be some ways to avoid problem-solving and solution-listening? Notice how many times you mentally brainstorm solutions for others and practice resisting the temptation to share those potential remedies. Instead, craft paraphrases and questions that help mediate the other's thinking as he or she moves through an issue.
 

¹Costa, A., & Garmston, R. (2002) Cognitive Coaching: A Foundation for Renaissance Schools. Norwood, MA: Christopher-Gordon Publishers, p. 64.

²Costa, A., & Garmston, R. (2010) Cognitive Coaching Foundation Seminar Learning Guide. Highlands Ranch, CO: Center for Cognitive Coaching, p. 32.