Solution focussed coaching - Evaluation

Evaluation is an essential step within the solution-focused approach and forms the bridge between the plans made and the progress achieved. The purpose of evaluation is to reflect on the athlete’s progress and gain insight into what is working well and where there is still room for improvement. This feedback process enables both coach and athlete to learn together and make adjustments based on the experiences gained.

The 4 Questions of Evaluation

In the evaluation phase, we use four key questions to gain insight into progress:

1. What went well?

This question focuses on the positive aspects of the past period. What worked well for the athlete? Emphasizing successes, no matter how small, strengthens the athlete’s self-confidence and helps them focus on what they are already capable of. Research shows that acknowledging successes increases motivation and engagement, which is essential for maintaining a positive mindset (Fredrickson, 2001).

2. What did not go well?

It is important to honestly reflect on moments when things did not go as planned. This question allows the athlete to acknowledge what did not go according to plan and why. This prevents negative experiences from being ignored and fosters a growth mindset, as described by Dweck (2006), where learning and development are central.

3. What surprised us?

This question encourages exploring unexpected outcomes, both positive and negative. It helps athlete and coach look beyond expectations to variables that influenced progress. Surprise stimulates creative thinking and can lead to innovative solutions (Csikszentmihalyi, 1990).

4. What actions will we take?

The final question focuses on creating a future outlook. Based on reflections and insights from the previous questions, what are the concrete steps the athlete and coach want to take now? This emphasis on action and future orientation is crucial for fostering responsibility and strengthening motivation (Locke & Latham, 2002).

Support for Solution-Focused Coaching

The link between evaluation and the rest of the methodology is that evaluation encourages continuous progress and adaptation. Evaluation aligns with the processes of goal setting, identifying the current situation (The Gap), and formulating concrete steps (Terms and Conditions). By linking outcome actions to benchmarks and the athlete’s experiences, we ensure coaching is not just a snapshot, but a dynamic process focused on growth.

Research has shown that solution-focused coaching effectively promotes change and improves performance. According to the work of American psychologists de Shazer and Berg (1985), solution-focused work encourages clients to focus on solutions and the future, leading to stronger and more constructive coaching relationships.

Additionally, a study by Grant (2017) showed that coaches applying solution-focused techniques achieve better results in developing their athletes’ skills and performance. This is because this approach fosters athlete engagement and enables them to take responsibility for their own development.

By regularly conducting these evaluations and applying the four questions, coaches and athletes can work together to optimize performance and confidence. Evaluation helps maintain the solution-focused orientation, emphasizing future progress and optimizing the path to success. The combination of strong communication, self-reflection, and a focus on solutions helps athletes become more resilient and successful in their sporting and personal development.