The Coaching Model That’s Changing Lives: Inside the Co-Active Star

How the Co-Active Model Puts YOU at the Center of Change

Step into the world of Co-Active Coaching, and you’ll find a model that looks more like a constellation than a checklist. At its heart is a simple but radical idea: the client’s life is the center of everything. Whether you’re a coach, a leader, or simply someone who wants to grow, the Co-Active Model offers a blueprint for transformative change—one that adapts to you, not the other way around.

The model is often drawn as a five-pointed star, each point representing a key coaching skill: listening, intuition, curiosity, forwarding action, and self-management. But the real magic happens in the center, where the client’s agenda, dreams, and values shine brightest. This is a model that refuses to treat people as problems to be solved. Instead, it invites each person to be the architect of their own journey.

Surrounding the center are three guiding principles: fulfillment, balance, and process. Fulfillment is about living in harmony with your core values, not just chasing external achievements. Balance is about making conscious choices—learning to say yes to what matters and no to what drains you. And process reminds us that growth is a journey, not a destination. These principles work together to create a dynamic, client-driven experience that feels both structured and free.

One of the most powerful features of the Co-Active Model is the designed alliance. Unlike traditional relationships, where one person leads and the other follows, the designed alliance is a co-created agreement about how you want to work together. This builds trust, fosters ownership, and ensures that every conversation serves the client’s real needs.

Visual metaphors are everywhere in the Co-Active Model. Coaches use diagrams, wheels, and stars to help clients see connections between their actions, values, and satisfaction. This visual approach makes complex change feel accessible, even playful.

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating a career change, or supporting a friend, the Co-Active Model adapts to your context. It’s used in boardrooms, classrooms, and living rooms around the world—and its ripple effect is only growing.

Ready to put yourself at the center of your own growth story? The Co-Active Star is your guide.
References: Co-Active Coaching (book), Co-Active Training Institute resources, SoBrief summary