ABSTRACT

A linear approach to change is based on assumptions of causality and a belief in there being a series of laws which underpin human experience and development rooted in traditions such as positivism, Newtonian physics and individualism. Coaching theory and practice that is rooted in these assumptions is more likely to be characterised by hard behavioural goals, contracts, processes and procedures and deterministic view of change, where the coach's role as change agent is to act on the client through questioning and technique to bring about development. Post-modern and emergent approach to thinking about and facilitating change is not so invested in assumptions about linear causality. Instead, the assumptions here are more informed by relational, post-modern ideas, and those from quantum physics and complexity. Mindfulness based approaches to change have been gaining in popularity in psychology and coaching over the last ten years. Linear and emergent perspectives on change both orientate coach and coachee in particular ways facilitative of change.