Presence -based coaching: The practice of presence in relation to goal -directed activit

This dissertation introduces a new scholar-practitioner model to the professional coaching literature called Presence-Based Coaching (PBC). Presence-Based Coaching is a counter intuitive approach to goal attainment based on increasing present-moment attention and awareness, and was developed from the Mindfulness Meditation, Flow, Presence, and Taoist literature. PBC consists of the 4-step process of stop, observe, align, and allow. Fifteen entrepreneurs underwent a 6-week coaching program applying the PBC model to self-selected goals. Qualitative data from participants' weekly reflection papers and quantitative data from a pilot 360-degree feedback instrument completed by both participants and outside observers suggest that practicing Presence can influence both what one does and how one does it. Specific findings indicate that the PBC model supports goal attainment through discovering new approaches to work, increasing focus and calm, promoting wholeness, and supporting the clarification of values and priorities. This study introduced and tested a 360-degree assessment tool consisting of 4 10-item subscales. Initial results from the 360-degree instrument indicate that scale construction and subscale correlations were positive (Standardized Cronbach Coefficient Alpha: 0.69--0.91). Nine out of 40 items showed significant changes in means from pre-post test at the (p<.05) level for self-raters while 15 out of 40 items showed significant changes in means for other raters. Additional findings suggest that (a) the PBC model facilitates a relatively predictable growth process, (b) affects the personal and professional relationships of clients, and (c) supports differentiation, or authenticity, which may affect one's goal attainment strategies or value system in general. Finally, this dissertation introduces a model for examining professional coaching interventions on a spectrum ranging from Doing to Being oriented practices or activities: from practical concrete actions to more contemplative and existential considerations that affect the manifest life of the client.*.;*This dissertation is a compound document (contains both a paper copy and a CD as part of the dissertation). The CD requires the following system requirements: Adobe Acrobat.