Outcome Frame Coaching Technique

The “outcome frame” is a coaching technique based on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), a psychological concept where there is no failure, just feedback. Naming, labels, and how you frame the questions affect the answers.

The outcome is a sum result of the answers to questions like those below. In short, this questioning gets to the heart of the matter, “What do I really want?”

Key Questions

Start at the top and move down:

  1. What would you like?
  2. What would having that do for you?
  3. How will you know when you have it?
  4. Where, when, and with whom do you want it?
  5. How will this desired outcome affect the important people and other aspects of your life?
  6. Bonus: What might you lose that you value if you can have this outcome you want?

Key Criteria

The answers should be:

  • Positive
  • Self-maintained
  • Achievable
  • Specific

In my experience, using this outcome frame technique during coaching helped me find the most valuable answers for self-reflection. Getting to the real answer and not just the first answer.

Tip: Use a partner to ask the questions and keep your answers narrowed so you can focus on introspection and giving honest answers.


Source: A Reboot coaching workshop while I worked on the leadership team at Automattic.

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One response to “Outcome Frame Coaching Technique”

  1. Elizabeth Willett Avatar
    Elizabeth Willett

    Such a good idea! I’m trying it.

    Liked by 1 person

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