ABSTRACT

A relational perspective is oriented to an appreciation of intersubjectivity and the implicit differences in the ways in which individuals construct reality. As such, contracting from this perspective involves working out together how a particular intervention may be being co-constructed by all involved parties, accepting and acknowledging that, while there may be areas of shared understanding and intention, there will just as likely be areas of difference which may need to be surfaced, acknowledged and negotiated. This chapter sets out relational perspectives view the self and self experience as having dynamic properties which shift according to the field conditions at any time and the ways in which these are engaged with by individuals. It describes the coachee's agenda for development and personal interest may align or diverge in varying degrees from the organisation's agenda as embodied by stakeholders, leaders and those commissioning coaching services.