How can you use the OSCAR model to help clients overcome obstacles?

It’s a good framework to use as is the GROW model (look it up), most important thing is to ask the right questions, give the client room to answer, make sure you listen properly to the response, and use the “tell me more about that” and “what else” to drill into the problem. Don’t try and solve the issue yourself. Get the client to come up with solutions, and ask them what they will do next to progress it and when you should check in with them next.

In my experience the models provide a framework for the call rather than a straight jacket. The key as a coach is to listen, respond and be flexible about your approach. The other important aspect is the framing of your questions that will unlock your clients possibilities and it's important that you kno the powerful questioning techniques to clarify any ambiguity in the clients answers.

Applying the OSCAR framework has significantly enhanced client engagement, mainly through character and intimacy. This approach goes beyond just addressing the clients' immediate goals, focusing on building deeper, trust-based relationships. It allows me to understand and value their character and create an environment of openness. I've also fostered a more intimate and compelling consultancy experience. This personal touch not only leads to better outcomes but also establishes lasting client relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. There's much to say about how character and intimacy transform professional engagements into meaningful partnerships.

Think of OSCAR as your tactical toolkit in tricky situations. I used it when deciding to switch careers. Imagine you're at a career crossroads. Use OSCAR to map out your path – what's your ideal job (Outcome), where are you now skill-wise (Situation), what options do you have (Choices), what steps can you take (Actions), and how will you track your progress (Review)? It's a game-changer.

A friend felt overwhelmed with a failing business project. We used OSCAR, setting a goal to revive it (Outcome), analyzing the failing points (Situation), brainstorming recovery strategies (Choices), implementing a turnaround plan (Actions), and reviewing weekly (Review). Apply this to a project or goal that's hitting a roadblock. Break it down and tackle it with OSCAR.

When coaching a team leader struggling with low morale in her team, OSCAR helped us devise a plan. We defined the goal of boosting team spirit (Outcome), assessed current team dynamics (Situation), considered morale-boosting activities (Choices), implemented regular team-building sessions (Actions), and had monthly check-ins (Review). Use OSCAR to address a team issue or a personal goal. It's about turning abstract ideas into concrete steps.

The OSCAR mode­l has big wins in many businesses thanks to its well-organise­d methods. Here's what's cool: it shine­s a bright light on goals, making problem-solving sharp and direct. It brings a dee­p dive into issues as part of its situation check, se­tting up the right decisions. That said, it's not all rainbows. Some might say it e­ats into valuable time, espe­cially in a fast world. So, what's key? Balancing the OSCAR model's in-de­pth power with quick moves is vital to bring out its best in varie­d business scenes.

Example of using the OSCAR model in a coaching session: Outcome: The coach and client discuss the client's goal of improving their public speaking skills. Situation: The coach explores the client's current challenges and experiences related to public speaking. Choices: The coach helps the client identify various options for improving their skills, such as joining a Toastmasters club or seeking feedback from colleagues. Actions: The coach works with the client to create a specific action plan for achieving their goal. Review: The coach schedules follow-up sessions to monitor the client's progress and provide ongoing support.

OSCAR should be like jazz – adaptable and creative A marketer couldn't crack a successful campaign. Through OSCAR, we set a target (Outcome), evaluated past campaigns (Situation), brainstormed innovative ideas (Choices), tested a new campaign (Actions), and analyzed the results (Review). Got a stubborn problem? Jazz it up with OSCAR's flexible approach.

Let's take Alex, who launched an online store but struggled with customer retention. We applied OSCAR: Outcome was increased repeat customers. Situation: Poor customer engagement. Choices included revamping the website for UX and launching a loyalty program. Alex decided on the loyalty program (Action) and we reviewed customer feedback monthly to tweak the program (Review). Facing a business challenge? Break it down with OSCAR. It turns overwhelming problems into manageable solutions.

Well mentorship in reality, with all due respect to the power of AI and its access to data and analytics, is much more complicated and interconnected than that with multifactorial considerations, the minimum being already identified well in OSCAR model. One thing for sure that mentorship for businesses is a journey rather than a specific destination. And more importantly it all starts with paying much attention to the clients needs and ambition to support their selection of choices and required actions; or in other words support their decision making from currently available alternatives, which has been proudly one of our key policies at Alexandrite Decisions.