Robert Dilts (born 1955) is a Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) trainer who studied under Bandler and Grinder since 1975. According to Marilyn Atkinson, founder of Erickson College, Dilts interpreted Gregory Bateson’s work with logical levels which introduced the power of systemic thinking as a framework for asking great questions.

Helene Aubrey, founder of the coach training school IDC in Switzerland, came to coaching after attending an NLP training program in California with Robert Dilts in 1997 when a classmate introduced her to coaching.

In 2003 Dilts wrote From Coach to Awakener and defined coaching as “the process of helping people and teams to perform at the peak of their abilities. It involves drawing out people’s strengths, helping them to bypass personal barriers and limits in order to achieve their personal best, and facilitating them to function more effectively as members of a team.

Thus, effective coaching requires an emphasis on both task and relationship.” Seeing coaching as more outcome-oriented than problem-oriented, Dilts sees coaches emphasizing change while concentrating on defining and achieving specific goals.

Dilts identifies two forms of coaching – executive coaching and life coaching (referred to as capital “C” ). He also sees small “c” coaching as focused at the behavioral level of promoting conscious awareness of resources and abilities, and the development of conscious competence. He defines the competencies and skill set of capital “C” coaching as caretaking, guiding, coaching, teaching, mentoring, sponsoring, and awakening.

What has Robert Dilts brought to coaching or to you? Where do you stand on his definition of coaching?

Vikki Brock, Ph.D., EMBA. MCC
Director, Division of History and Archive
The Coaching Commons