The SFE-coaching style is positive and goal oriented. Derived from the therapeutic field, it is currently used in a wide variety of settings such as in coaching, in management and in organisational change. In a SFE-change process the solutions to the problem have to fit with the unique and specific circumstances of the client. When using this change approach problems are not analysed or diagnosed. Instead the desired future of the client is explored. A SFE-coach will explore the client’s desired future in concrete and positive terms, encouraging the client to use vivid language. By analysing previous successes and positive exceptions to the problem in the past, solutions are built that suit the specific context and situation of the client. This analysis of what works is then used to reach the desired future step by step (Schlundt Bodien, Visser, 2008). The SFE-change approach is encouraging, positive, goal and succes oriented and focuses on small steps. The opposite can be described as confronting, problem focused, negative and focusing on big steps. The PFC-approach is based on the assumption that change only happens when the client is confronted with what he is doing wrong and that the coach needs to give the client expert advice on how to deal with his problem. The difference between the two coaching styles is summarised below.
If a coach uses SFE-interventions, these will be mainly positive, encouraging, focused on positive goals, focused on what works for the student, focused on successes and on positive competencies and expectations. If a coach uses PFC-interventions, these will be mainly negative, problem focused, focused on confronting the student with what he is doing wrong and with his lack of competence, in the hope that this will “ wake him up” to get his act together.
