Non-directive coaching creates a type of symbiotic relationship known as mutualism.
Agreements on what the relationship’s constraints are is critical. They are established through two aspects, major and minor. Different aspects can provide a varying level of detail about the influence a person has on another individual's life, allowing the non-directive coach to examine broader patterns. In this sense, the major and minor aspects within non-directive coaching helps the coach to "zoom in" on particular issues or connections and "zoom out" to consider the bigger picture of influences. In the Coaching for Complexity framework these are described as major and minor Aspects.
The ability for the non-directive coach to “zoom-in” and “zoom-out” also show-up in group and team coaching environments.
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The major aspects of a non-directive coaching partnership are formed in the major agreement. Establishing any type of agreement with the coachee means clear, open, and honest communication. Establishing clear agreements is about setting boundaries for the coach and the coachee. It is during the scoping phase that the non-directive coach will explain what non-directive coaching is, and what it is not. They will describe the process, establish confidentiality, and they will co-create other protocols for the relationship with the coachee.
A Major Aspects Agreement is like a contract. It is the overarching agreement used to establish:
The major aspect agreement is used to support the coachee’s understanding of the coaching relationship.
The minor aspects of each non-directive coaching session agreement is determined near the beginning of each non-directive coaching session and can be revisited anytime the coach feels it necessary to check-in as a way of making sure the coachee.
During each session the coach: