Cycles of Change Coaching

I-VOLUTION

Levels of Creativity, Learning and Insight Generation

Process of Coping with Change, Learning and Creativity

This process is evident in some form or the other whenever change is involved. It is a fluid development process that shows clear phases of development and flow. Awareness of these naturally evolving phases can lead to a more deliberate and productive learning and development experience and more fulfilling outcomes.

Entrepreneurs, outstanding learners, scientists and creative people habitually use this process. When studying successful people one is able to observe particular characteristics (attitudes) and skills as they progress through their application of these phases.

There characteristics and skills are evident in babies. The most obvious example is when children learn to walk. It might be that these attitudes and skills need to be relearned or continually applied.

I have observed them in expatriates during their transitions.

It is true for anyone experiencing any new and challenging experience.

Goal setting is all about creating change through creating opportunities, circumstances and results. It is logical then that the process of goal setting requires the use of creative potential, creative thinking, creative skills and ability and a creative attitude. This is particularly true in the case of empowering the coachee to look at options and to think in terms of original and new possibilities as well as to create the opportunities for change.

Goal setting is a creative and innovative process/strategy and the coachee’s creativity/ resourcefulness is the coachee’s greatest resource. The coachee is encouraged to consciously use creativity tools and techniques such as brainstorming and visualisation as well as to get into a resourceful state for greater effectiveness and performance. One might call this creative consciousness or (creative) mindfulness. Many recommend adopting certain attitudes or creative ways of thinking such as being positive, attracting abundance, and expect the unexpected, amongst others. These definitely even individually have some positive creative value.

Innovative thinking is about producing a unique service or product which is what the coachee is doing when goal setting. The coachee wants a custom-made result and needs to generate multiple options and opportunities.

Studies of all successful people show that creative thinking played a significant role to their success. Creativity was evident in characteristics such as flexibility, positive and optimistic thinking, high toleration for frustration, thinking in terms of possibilities, amongst others.

The Cycle of Change Model

The Cycle of Change Model in a Nutshell

• Level 1 – Initiation
• Level 2 – Immersion
• Level 3 – Incubation
• Level 4 – Innovation
• Level 5 – Integration

 

Initiation	Immersion	Incubation	Innovation	Integration
Induction	Investment	Intuition	Insight	Incorporation
Introduction	Involvement		Inspiration	Idealisation
Inception			Inflammation	Independence
Ideation			Illumination	Inclusion
Interested				Institutionalisation
Information				Icon
Initialisation
Imitation

The Cycle of Change Explained

This process can be applied deliberately and is an excellent vehicle for generating new and unique solutions.

 

Level 1 – Induction

 

Induction refers to the initial process of acquaintance. One focuses on as various aspects of the task at hand. This level of interaction involves engaging with the task and ‘getting your feet wet’ so to speak.

 

Level 2 – Immersion

 

One invests time and concentration as well as other resources on the task. One becomes more invested in the outcome of one’s involvement.  Characteristically there is active and deep engagement. Typically, this stage involves making a commitment and letting down boundaries. One becomes more and more immersed until there is the impression of reaching ‘saturation point’. This state involves focus and single-mindedness.

Level 3 – Incubation

 

One feels that one has reached an impasse or that one has reached a point when no more options seem apparent. It seems like it is necessary to takes time off away from the task. In other words there might be a sensation of feeling stuck or frustrated. Successful people expect to succeed. They are confident that there is a solution and that they will find a solution after a break or letting go.

 

Level 4 – Innovation

 

The time out is beneficial and one is able to see the solution which now seems obvious. Such an experienced is referred to as the ‘Eureka!’ effect or the ‘Aha!’ experience.

 

Level 5 – Integration

 

One relates and applies insight and learning to other interests and areas. This step involves transferring benefits obtained to other, not necessarily identical, contexts. Learning when applied becomes part of one’s knowledge base and skill set.