Spider charts


Spider charts

Spider charts provide a way of recording patterns of thought. Usually there is a central theme or idea that is written in the centre of a sheet of paper and the ensuing ideas are recorded around it. Ideas can be generated by brainstorming or gathering information about the central theme. Spider charts are also sometimes called splatter diagrams, branch diagrams or mind mapping (as created by Tony Buzan). This method is particularly useful if you wish to view all the information/thoughts about a topic on one sheet of paper.

Once all the ideas are committed to paper the coachee can then begin to link similar ideas by drawing a line between them or colour coding them. It is possible to further categorize the ideas by highlighting them in terms of priority, importance or impact. The level of categorization you ask for will depend upon your coachee and that person s general ability to consider his or her own performance “ you may wish to do this part of the exercise together during one of your meetings.

Example

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During the coaching process you may use spider charts as a method for helping the coachee to organize thoughts, reflect upon different areas or ideas and create action plans.

Examples of central themes for spider charts:

  • What do I want to achieve from coaching?

  • What is stopping me?

  • What obstacles (blocks) and constraints are there?

  • How do I improve?

  • What do other people think about the way I perform?

  • What is my ideal. . .? (eg job, outcome)

  • What does personal effectiveness look like in my current role?

  • What do I want to remember about what I have read/learnt?

Categorization of data on a spider chart needs to be relevant to the subject and the specific objectives of the coaching programme. Consider the following ideas:

  • Blocks/constraints that are real or imaginary.

  • Actions that belong to the coachee or a third person.

  • Things that are external or internal factors, eg feelings or resources available.

  • Things that have happened and those that might happen.

  • Items/activities/jobs/ tasks I love, like, feel OK about or hate.

  • What I do already or what I may do in the future.

Where the spider chart looks at a problem or issue area you could extend the activity by asking the coachee to build on the chart. Ask the coachee to take a different coloured pen and brainstorm potential solutions to each issue. This will assist with the creation of an action plan as well as giving you valuable insight into the areas that the coachee finds most challenging or is struggling with at the moment.




The Coaching Handbook. An Action Kit for Trainers & Managers
Coaching Handbook: An Action Kit for Trainers and Managers
ISBN: 074943810X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2003
Pages: 130

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