Setting and Pursuing Goals

In the book Beyond Goals (David et al., 2013), two of us raise a lot of serious questions about goal fixation in coaching. Our conclusions are that the processes of setting and pursuing goals is much more complex and nuanced than most coaching textbooks tend to acknowledge. In contrast to simplistic approaches, such as GROW,¹ the majority of coaching models do not place goal setting at the beginning of a coaching relationship or conversation. They see goals as emerging from an understanding of context and hence evolving with the relationship. Implicit within goal management are raising horizons, creating visions of the future that mobilise internal energy, assessing and choosing from amongst complex options, and creating a balance between too much and too little focus on specific outcomes. Goal management also involves linking goals with evolving personal values to ensure that what you are aiming for is truly what you want.