B. How Coaching Affects the Brain

Appendix B. How Coaching Affects the Brain Chapter 1, Guiding Principles

In 2005, David Rock used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to study what happened in the brain during a coaching session. He discovered that a central feature of effective coaching was evidence of “insight” in the client. Three focus areas in the brain—attention, reflection, and action—are connected to insight. The table below summarizes Rock’s findings and offers considerations for your coaching practice.

FOCUS AREA

Attention

Reflection

Insight

Action

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE BRAIN

The working memory is in the prefrontal cortex, where new information is stored. Because the capacity of the prefrontal cortex is limited, forging new pathways is similar to cutting through a thick forest. When attention is focused in constructive ways, progress toward best practice is possible. When people reflect, the brain shuts down external senses and focuses on internal stimuli, engaging the part of the brain that makes links. During this process, the brain gives off alpha waves and releases serotonin, both of which increase relaxation and positive feelings. When the brain processes information, it gives off gamma waves. Gamma waves produce adrenaline and serotonin, which create a sense of energy. That energy passes within an hour.

Practicing a new behavior repeatedly creates a new pathway in the brain that, over time, moves the behavior to the “automatic pilot” part of the brain.

WHAT A COACH CAN DO

Facilitate change by helping learning partners focus attention on the change they seek.

Encourage individuals and teams to take quiet time for the reflection that builds insight.

Leverage the energy of insight to propel learning partners beyond a fear of change. Motivate them to take action immediately, even if the action is only making a commitment to do something later.

Help learning partners practice new skills and apply new ideas. Empower them to come up with ideas themselves, thus making it more likely that their insights will propel them forward.

Rock, D. (2006). A Brain-Based Approach to Coaching. International Journal of Coaching in Organizations, 4(2), 32-43. http://researchportal.coachfederation.org/MediaStream/PartialView?documentId=2886