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Adrian Goodall writes:

I was lucky to discover David Grove's Clean Language early on in my training as a coach and have developed that learning over the past 2 years with Angela Dunbar, including in the related area of Emergent Knowledge. My approach to coaching has been intrinsically influenced by it, particularly in developing awareness of the importance of metaphor in the cognitive process, and the 'systemic' element of Emergent thinking and practice and metaphorical landscapes.

Clean Language is a way in which a coach can ask questions which explore and develop a client's 'model' of the world, particularly using metaphors, in order to move towards a desired outcome. It was originally developed by the recently-departed David Grove as a psychotherapeutic approach, initially to resolve traumatic memories. It involves a small number of specific questions and an unusual syntax, the purpose of which is to hold true and reflect the client's experience without change or distortion, focus on particular elements of that, explore and develop, and facilitate their self-learning.

In using the client's language, the coach's assumptions can be minimised, thereby respecting the integrity of the client's metaphors and symbols. It also gives freedom for the client to gain from learnings which are wholly unique and relevant to them. My overall sense is that 'Clean' coaching builds a deeper confidence for the client in the coaching process and a broader awareness of their own capabilities and resources - so they move on wanting to do things differently. I'm often quite surprised at what makes a change 'land' for the client, and very happy to go with what works for them!

I find that 'Clean' is much more than just another set of 'techniques' in the 'tool kit'. Although I don't often have sessions which are exclusively 'Clean', the approach and values behind it are always with me, and I almost always include both Clean language and Emergent Knowledge questions and approaches at points whilst coaching (and in other situations!). I also enjoy experimenting and mixing Clean techniques with other approaches - particularly in team work - there seems a great potential to develop new applications and ideas in this area.

In my experience, some of the ways in which 'Clean' techniques have helped the coaching process include:

Establishing rapport (executives are often surprised by accurate listening and reflection);

Quickly developing understanding and awareness;

Greater confidence in dealing with the client's organisational jargon;

Being efficient and direct with questions;

The use of metaphorical landscapes to raise awareness and enable change;

Visualisation;

Additional confidence in handling emotional issues which can crop up;

Clean and emergent questions are fabulous for extra creativity;

Dealing with blocks or 'binds' at work by helping move away from stuck jargon/thinking;

Using space and movement in a way that usually develops rich new perspectives for clients;

Developing awareness of options;

Deeper development of action planning;

Purpose/Identity issues.

Some links for more information:

The Clean Collection - Penny Tomkins and James Lawley originally modelled David Grove's techniques to create Symbolic Modelling.

Clean Coaching - Angela Dunbar works closely with Carol Wilson and provides teleclass-based learning which is where I have done most of my learning in Clean Language and Emergent Knowledge.

The Powers of Six - Philip Harland and Matthew Hudson's site focusing on Emergent Knowledge.

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"I found your skill in working with my metaphors very helpful and gained some valuable insights from this" - HJ