Abstract
Many people come to coaching because they have a question to which they, after using a whole repertoire of problem-solving techniques and methods, still have not found a satisfying answer. This might be due to being stuck in functional fixedness, i.e., they cannot look at the question from different angles or perspectives. Gaining new insights is one of the most reported experiences of clients in the coaching process. Intensive experiences are called Eureka or Aha! experiences and represent stimulating highlights for clients and coaches. Psychological and neuroscientific studies confirm that insights occur suddenly, often in a relaxed mode, and activate special brain areas.
The chapter discusses research results and coaching techniques, which facilitate the emergence of insights or Aha! experiences. If, in addition to new insights, behavioral changes are necessary, special adapted “nudging methods” are recommended. Coaches can learn from inspirational knowledge of classical and recent basic research. Unfortunately, research in the field of coaching is missing. So, questions are listed with which coaches can easily start a study themselves to investigate insights and Aha! experiences of their clients. In this way, they can find out and report at conferences how insights can be promoted more systematically in coaching.
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Müller, F., Greif, S. (2022). Insights Through Coaching. In: Greif, S., Möller, H., Scholl, W., Passmore, J., Müller, F. (eds) International Handbook of Evidence-Based Coaching. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-81938-5_38
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