Chapter 4: Capacity Building 89the new skill.” The same scaling question can be asked during every
coaching session to measure improvement throughout the process.
For example, during every coaching session a coach may ask, “On a
scale of 1–10 how confident are you feeling in engaging the
biological parents?” By using the same question in every coaching
session, the coach and learner can gauge improvement.
To determine motivation: Scaling questions can be used to
strengthen motivation. Here the 10 may be “I am prepared to do a
lot to achieve the goal,” and 0 may be “I am not willing to do
anything for it.” This type of scaling question helps learners to gain
clarity and acknowledge what is hindering the coaching process. A
positive outcome may be that the learner becomes more engaged
and empowered to increase motivation.
To understand confidence: Especially important in coaching new
skills, this scale provides opportunity to discuss and strengthen the
learner’s confidence in using or learning the new skill.
Some scaling issues
What does the 10 represent? The 10 on the scale should represent
something attainable. If 10 represents an ideal situation, it could be a
setup for feeling unsuccessful. The 10 should be something that at
some point the learner will achieve. If it’s too high, there is a risk of
losing meaningful engagement in the process. (^)
What if the learner is at a 0? The 0 on the scale generally
represents feelings of a rather desperate situation. If this is the case,