The Co-Active Model

the co-active model

Along with having received my Master of Education (M.Ed.) degree from The University of Michigan, I also received my Associate Coaching Certification (ACC) from the International Coach Federation and Certified Professional Co-active Coaching Certification (CPCC) through The Coaches Training Institute (CTI), the latter being one of the oldest and largest coach-training programs in the world and one of the most recognized leadership training institutions in the industry. Though much of my methodology relies on the experience gained in these places and so many more, CTI's co-active model is always fun to share to get clients' gears turning.

First, the model is built on four cornerstones:

The belief that my clients are naturally creative, resourceful, and whole. That they can and should find the answers they seek and are not broken (hence, I do not need to "fix" them). That working from this innate place can evoke greater learning about oneself and a more fulfilling life.
My commitment to being present with clients in the moment. This means that I don't use a pre-ordained script, formula, or set of questions with my clients. Instead, it means engaging in higher levels of listening and staying connected to the client in every moment of the conversation, the whole time making sure the focus is held on his or her learning and well-being.
My commitment to focus on the whole person. As a co-active coach, I focus on the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of clients. This is indelibly important, as all of my clients hold multiple roles in their lives, and looking at the whole person provides the opportunity for their entire being to be tended to as opposed to just one part.
My charge to evoke real transformation in clients. Real and lasting change. Real and lasting growth. I'm not about helping clients solve just a single problem or issue. I'm about helping clients discover and attain bigger versions of themselves. This inevitably shapes and improves the way they interact with their families and friends, the communities they live in, and the world at large.

Second, the model sheds special light on three defining principles: fulfillment, balance, and process.

When I bring fulfillment coaching into the conversation, I'm asking clients to reflect on their values and life purpose, including goals and dreams. It's a great way for them to reflect and work on who's showing up to their lives every day.
Balance coaching involves asking my clients to think about the perspectives they're often using in their lives and differentiate between the ones that are working and the ones that aren't. This is a great opportunity for them to toss out self-limiting perspectives, get creative, and rediscover their capacity for choice, especially the way they choose to see themselves and others.
When I focus on process in my coaching with clients, I'm asking them to be fully present with their emotions. This is crucial because it allows clients the chance to sit down with what they're really feeling and address it (a chance they often don't allow for themselves). It also gives my clients more time to better understand their emotions, which they often discover is really empowering. This then motivates them to live their lives more fully, completely, and proactively.

Lastly, the model works within five contexts: listening, intuition, curiosity, forward and deepen, and self-management.

Listening: I intently focus on what my client is saying rather than my own agenda. I'm also listening for what isn't being said.
Intuition: I listen to my instincts and offer what I'm sensing without being attached to it. This means that whether or not I'm accurate is not the focus; instead, it's how this will work in the service of my client and get them thinking about their situation in a new and/or more complex fashion.
Curiosity: I want to absorb all that my clients have to give, even the parts they haven't discovered yet. This means that I'm open, observant, and most importantly, non-judgmental.
Forward and deepen: I'm not just solving problems with clients and moving aimlessly from one thing to the next. I'm holding a space for them learn more about themselves and continue to do so while they move forward towards more enriched lives.
Self-management: I do not bring my agenda into conversations with clients. I do not tell them what is best, give them answers, or attempt to fix them. I set aside any bias that I may feel towards a given topic. Instead of holding on to my own reactions, I draw from my curiosity and intuition to ask the kinds of questions that help my clients discover the answers within themselves and the perspectives that service their empowerment and fulfillment.

A terrific read on the CTI model that explains it in greater detail can be found here. Author Ann Betz, CPCC, does a tremendous job of discussing the model in greater depth, and moreover, highlighting its relationship and grounding in the field of neuroscience.

LIVE. LEAD. THRIVE.

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“Joe has the innate ability to elicit quantum shifts in his clients' lives. In his deliberate, eloquent and powerful fashion, Joe asks the right questions and uses his keen intuition to lead clients towards true transformation. It's been a pleasure to work alongside him and I wholeheartedly recommend his services.”

Jodi Wellman

Co-Founder + Coach
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Happy Work Spectacular Life

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Joe is a very effective coach because he asks astute questions that prompt creative, new ways of addressing old challenges. He is inspiring in his eloquence, easily approachable and his passion to empower change is infectious. On top of all of that, he's incredibly down to earth and fun. Want to live more wholly? Work with Joe.

Deborah Compagner

Global Recruitment Brand
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EY

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I have had the opportunity to work with, hire and manage many coaches in my career. Joe brings a quiet expertise, confidence and natural instinct to his coaching that place him at the upper level of quality compared to his peers. One of my favorite things about Joe is that while he demonstrates immense compassion and a gentle nature, these in no way preclude him from challenging people to stretch beyond their comfort zone. He quickly establishes a trusted partnership with his clients and forms the basis for a truly valuable growth experience.

Timothy Sheahan

Principal
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Green Peak Partners

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I had the amazing pleasure of witnessing Joe's coaching first hand during our training at The Coaches Training Institute. Joe has a Rock Star presence that immediately draws you to him, but it is his wisdom, heart, and poet's mastery of the language that keep you on the edge of your seat. His intuition is tremendous, as is his courage to speak it. If you are looking for real transformation, I would highly recommend Joe to be your coach!

Steve Sand, CPA

Educator
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Aspen High School

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Joe is a world-class coach with keen insight, sixth sense intuition and complete balance. Many of us go through life living a life not fully our own, not having a full appreciation of all we bring to the banquet of life, and not fulfilling our designed purpose. Working with Joe allowed me to uncover hidden gems inside and sent me forth to shine in the fullness of who I am. I highly recommend Joe as a Coach and Facilitator.

Barbara Rohrer

Vice-President, Human Resources
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In House Counsel at California Dairies, Inc.

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It is rare in business to come across an individual that has a profound impact on your life. I have known Mr. LaDuke for twenty years. During that time we have spent considerable time together on multiple endeavors. He has an ability to help you find the best in yourself and yet push you to discover that you have even more potential. I fully recommend Mr. LaDuke. He is a highly qualified professional individual that sets the barometer for all other working professionals.

Christian Benard

Owner and Senior Partner
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Innovative Financial, Inc.

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Joe's one in a million. He brings focus, compassion, innovation, and enviable eloquence to his coaching. He probably wrote the book on 'active listening'. In iambic pentameter, because he can. Yet (this coming from a talker) one of the best parts about working with Joe is that he doesn't have time for any of your BS... and man. Isn't that refreshing?

Cadie Macon

Membership Advisor
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Equinox

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I had the pleasure of working with Joe through the Coaches Training Institute program and I was left with huge admiration for the depth, color and beauty he brings to his coaching of others. Joe has a unique way of connecting closely with his coachees that truly helps unlock new thinking. I would have no hesitation in recommending Joe as a coach.

Annette Reid

Senior Vice President, Talent Management
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CNA Insurance

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Joe is a great coach! His intuition is spot on and he provides an immediate sense of trust not unlike the guidance one would expect from a sturdy big brother. Not only does Joe inhabit his role as a sounding board to provide the life clarity that one needs from a coach, he also keenly finds the path in you that will ultimately lead to transformative change.

Robert Leschke

Life and Development Coach
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Leschke Coaching and Consulting, LLC

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Whether you face a challenge or are seeking one, Mr. LaDuke can advise. Over the past ten years, he has instructed me in academics, martial arts, personal endeavors... and now my career. In all venues, his insight and instruction prove valuable. He always encourages self-improvement. By nature, Mr. LaDuke is a teacher, coach, and leader

Neil Kollipara

Community Association Manager
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Casa Bella Property Management

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I have known Joe for over ten years, and I am constantly humbled by his ability to listen to and connect with others. A former student of his, Joe has coached me through some of my toughest experiences, and his wisdom continues to shape me today. His open ear and honesty come from a place of true understanding, and I am a better human being as a direct result of his leadership, coaching, and guidance. Anyone who has the opportunity to work with Joe has access to a true privilege!

Ron Ketelhut

Educator
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Greenheart International

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Joe has this real knack for seeing straight through the stories his clients make up about their lives and hitting on what's really important to them in life -- their values, their greatest wants and desires, their inherent awesomeness as people. His eloquent way with words, and his fantastic sense of humor, make him a total joy to work with as a coach. One solid compliment from Joe (always 100% authentic, sincere and heartfelt) and you'll feel your confidence skyrocket.

Heather Luxion, CPCC, PCC

Executive Coach + Leadership Development
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Heather Luxion Coaching, LLC

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Not only is Joe a powerful coach he's a deeply compassionate one as well. It's game changing to sit and work with someone who is so invested in you playing your game at your highest level. His ability to help you focus on what's important so you can do what is needed is second to none. I could not recommend him more highly. For him, coaching is not just a job, but a gift!

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