The Importance Of The R.O.A.D. Method & S.M.A.R.T. Goals

The R.O.A.D Method is the basic map on your journey with a client. In this 12-week course we focus on the four fundamental aspects of coaching and the 8 ICF Core Competencies that will equip you to be a masterful coach.

What is the R.O.A.D. Method?

R is for Results: What are the results the client is seeking? What specific things does the client want to see happen each week?

Example: I want to write one chapter per week for the book I have dreamed about writing for the past 5 years.

O is for Obstacles: What obstacles or challenges does the client anticipate as they try to achieve their results?

Example: With 2 young kids I get very little time to myself. Also, I am really afraid to start this because of fear of failure.

A is for Actions: What actions will they commit to taking in order to get their desired results? Make the actions S.M.A.R.T. (See below)

Example: I am going to write for 45 minutes every morning before the kids wake up. I am going to do the Wonder Woman pose for 2 minutes before I write in order to move through my fear.

D is for Discoveries: As clients start to move along the path to their goals, they will discover so much about themselves, others, the world around them, and the goal itself. As their coach, you can challenge them to take the time to pause and consider these new discoveries and how to incorporate them into their new way of living.

Example: I really love the writing process and see that I am a talented writer. I learned that I am more afraid of success than failure; I’ve never considered the cost of success until now.  Will my friends still want to be around me if I am a successful, published author? Will my husband feel inferior? Could it harm my marriage? Will I feel pressured to write another successful book?

At Four Streams our focus is on growth more than results. Results are important and a good coach never neglects the R in the R.O.A.D. Method, however, growth at the client’s core leads to long-term results.

The D in the R.O.A.D. is our sweet spot. We equip our students to ask powerful questions that go deeper and deeper into the roots of the obstacles the client is facing. When you get to the core issues, the magic happens. Deep learning occurs. Those AHA! moments come and profound discoveries are made. From there freedom to perform actions with the courage to slay the obstacles begins.

How do we make those actions S.M.A.R.T.?

Many of you know what S.M.A.R.T. goals are:

S- Specific: The more specifically defined the action is, the more clarity the client has to accomplish it. 

M- Measurable: This is especially important for less tangible goals such as processing an idea or growing in a character quality.  

A- Attainable: Encourage clients to be brutally honest with themselves about what they can accomplish. If the task is too hard they could get discouraged. If it is too easy they could get bored.

R- Related to your vision or WHY: Connecting tasks to the client’s values and purpose will increase their chances of success.

T- Timebound: Having an end date allows the opportunity to celebrate accomplishments along the path to the overall goals.