Contracting, Listening, Exploring, Action, Review

A 5-stage coaching model which is often abbreviated to CLEAR, that can be used to help employees create ideas to help solve a work problem, to improve a work process or to help create more engaged and committed employees.

Line managers will want to ensure optimum work performance is being delivered by staff and this coaching model is suitable for the motivation, mentoring and development of staff and can often be a short session, readily incorporated into a working day. This model can also help develop the skills of managers in being able to get the best from employees.

The first stage is to initiate a conversation, identify the issue or problem and identify the desired goal.

Stage two involves the coach actively listening and offering constructive guidance so the individual can improve their understanding of the issue.

Stage three involves exploring how the issue is impacting on the individual and identifying possible options for resolving the issue.

Stage four requires choosing the best option for moving forward and deciding how this might be accomplished.

The final stage reviews the activities and decisions taken, with particular emphasis being on the employee in reflecting on the coaching process and how future conversations might be improved.