P.R.I.M.A Coaching Model
P – Purpose (Define the Goal)
Key Questions:
“What’s most important for you to achieve today?
“How does this goal connect to who you want to be or what matters most to you?”
“What would achieving this allow you to feel or do?”
“What inner shift might you need to make to reach this goal?”
“If we could focus on one thing that would make the biggest difference for you, what would that be?”
R – Reality (Explore the Current State)
Key Questions:
“How are you personally experiencing this situation right now?”
“What emotions or thoughts come up when you think about where you are?”
“What does this situation say about what’s most important to you?”
“What patterns or habits are showing up in how you’re approaching this?”
“How are your beliefs or assumptions influencing how you’re seeing this situation?”
“What’s one thing you’re realizing about yourself as we unpack this?”
i – Insight (Facilitate Learning)
Key Questions:
“What is this situation teaching you about yourself?”
“How does this connect to your larger purpose or values?”
“What strengths, values, or resources can you lean into right now?”
“What is one belief or assumption you might need to challenge to move forward?”
“What’s an alternative perspective you could explore?”
“How might this insight change how you approach the situation or yourself?”
M – Move (Focus on Action)
Key Questions:
“What action feels most meaningful for you to take right now?”
“What small step could you take that would honor your values or growth?”
“How can you align your actions with what you’ve learned about yourself today?”
“What’s one thing you can do to create momentum, even if it feels small?”
“What kind of support do you need to follow through on these actions?”
“How will you ensure your actions reflect who you truly want to be?”
A – Accountability (Ensure Follow-Through)
Key Questions:
“How will you hold yourself accountable in a way that feels empowering?”
“What systems or reminders could help you stay on track?”
“Who or what could support you in maintaining your momentum?”
“How will you celebrate or acknowledge your progress, no matter how small?”
“What would success look like for you in terms of both the outcome and how you grow through this process?”
“When we reconnect, what would you like to reflect on together?”
Scenario
Sample Coaching Conversation using PRIMA MODEL
Coaching Conversation
Coach: Thank you for taking the time today. Let’s start with what matters most to you. What’s the most important goal you’d like to focus on today?
(P – Purpose)
Coachee: I want to improve how my team works together so we can meet our project deadline next month.
Coach: That’s a clear goal. How does achieving this align with the kind of leader you want to be or what’s most important to you?
Coachee: I want to be seen as a leader who can bring people together and deliver results. It’s important for my growth and the trust my team has in me.
Coach: What do you think reaching this goal will allow you to feel or do as a leader?
Coachee: I’ll feel more confident and respected. It’ll also show that I can lead under pressure.
Coach: What’s one thing, if addressed today, that would make the biggest difference for you?
Coachee: Figuring out how to get my team on the same page.
Coach: Let’s explore where things stand now. How are you personally experiencing this situation with your team?
(R – Reality)
Coachee: It’s frustrating. There’s tension, and some people aren’t communicating well. It feels like we’re all pulling in different directions.
Coach: What emotions come up for you when you think about this?
Coachee: I feel anxious, like I’m failing them as a leader.
Coach: Thank you for sharing that. What patterns or habits do you notice in how you’re approaching this situation?
Coachee: I tend to jump in and fix things myself instead of addressing the root issues.
Coach: What is this situation teaching you about yourself as a leader?
(I – Insight)
Coachee: I’m realizing I need to trust my team more and not micromanage.
Coach: How does this connect to your larger purpose as a leader?
Coachee: I want to build a team that feels empowered and aligned, not dependent on me for everything.
Coach: What’s one belief you might need to challenge to make this shift?
Coachee: That things won’t get done unless I step in.
Coach: With that in mind, what action feels most meaningful for you to take right now?
(M – Move)
Coachee: I need to have an open conversation with the team about expectations and how we can collaborate better.
Coach: What small step could you take today to start creating that alignment?
Coachee: I’ll schedule a team meeting to discuss roles and how we can support each other.
Coach: How can you ensure this action reflects the leader you want to be?
Coachee: I’ll focus on listening to their perspectives and encouraging them to own their contributions.
Coach: How will you hold yourself accountable for this step?
(A – Accountability)
Coachee: I’ll set a clear agenda for the meeting and check in with each team member afterward.
Coach: Who or what could support you in maintaining this momentum?
Coachee: I’ll ask my mentor for advice on leading these discussions effectively.
Coach: When we reconnect, what would you like to reflect on together?
Coachee: I’d like to reflect on how the team responds and whether our collaboration improves.
Coach: That’s a strong plan. You’re taking steps that truly align with your values and vision as a leader. I’m excited to hear about your progress!