FlipIt is a coaching process or framework that helps clients shift from a negative, disempowering perspective to a positive, or empowering perspective. It is based on the belief that we can’t necessarily change what is happening to us, but we CAN change the way we respond.
The core skill at the heart of FlipIt is the ability to reframe perspectives using the ICA Coaching Power Tools. To prepare for your FlipIt labs, and the related learning activity, we highly recommend you familiarise yourself with the concept of FlipIt and explore the process.
Course Reading
The core skill at the heart of FlipIt is Reframing perspectives.
Reframing a perspective is the ability to help clients shift the way they view a situation, challenge, or belief. It involves looking at the same set of facts through a new lens, uncovering alternative ways to interpret or respond to those facts. Reframing is not about denying reality or forcing positivity but rather exploring a broader range of possibilities that empower the client to take meaningful action.
FlipIt’s structure encourages clients to identify their current perspective, explore its impact, and uncover new ways of thinking and acting that better align with their goals.
Learning FlipIt as a coach provides you with a practical tool that:
Using FlipIt in the Labs also develops your ability to shift your own perspectives, for your own personal and professional growth.
FlipIt Labs are hands-on, interactive sessions where you’ll learn to use the FlipIt tool. In these labs, you will:
You’ll also gain confidence as a coach and the ability to use this tool with individuals or groups.
Just like Development Labs, FlipIt Labs are not classes – they are skill-building and experiential practice sessions designed to deepen your coaching abilities. The benefits of attending more than one class are:
1. Mastery Through Practice
Reframing perspectives is not a skill you can learn in theory or in just one session. Each time you attend a FlipIt Lab, you have the opportunity to practice the 4-step FlipIt process with new scenarios, challenges, and coaching dynamics. This repetition builds your confidence and helps you refine your approach to guiding perspective shifts.
2. Learn from Different Coaching Styles
In each Lab, you’ll work with different peers and trainers, which exposes you to diverse coaching styles and client perspectives. This variety helps you learn new techniques and expand your thinking around coaching.
3. Build Intuition, Not Just Knowledge
Coaching is as much an art as it is a skill. By attending multiple Labs, you move beyond understanding the mechanics of FlipIt to developing the intuition and creativity needed to apply it seamlessly in real-life coaching situations.
4. Receive Targeted Feedback
Every Lab offers a unique opportunity to receive feedback on your coaching. The more sessions you attend, the more personalized insights you’ll gain about your strengths and areas for improvement. This cumulative feedback accelerates your growth and ensures you feel fully equipped to use FlipIt with confidence.
FlipIt Labs run for 60 minutes. There will be morning, afternoon, evening and weekend options, and you can attend any session (no need to register). In each Lab students will get the opportunity to take on the role of coach, client or participant.
In the role of Coach
The Trainer will establish a scenario or role play which could vary from practicing the full four steps of the FlipIt Framework to simply practicing “the flip” As the coach you will work with your client to help them identify any negative or disempowering perspective and then “flip” it to a positive or empowering perspective.
In the role of Client
In the spirit of supporting your fellow students, we ask that you offer to be a client in these sessions. The coaching content should be suitable for coaching in a public space and be suitable for a short session.
In the role of Participant
Observing the FlipIt process is a great opportunity to see ‘reframes’ in action. You might also like to use the Participant Worksheet and follow along with your own issue or challenge.
LEARNING TASK
Choose ONE of the following tasks. This must be completed after you have attended at least 1 FlipIt lab.
Option 1: FlipIt Self Application
Consider a situation or issue in your life that you would like to change. Using the user guide and worksheet, guide yourself through the 4 step process. Were you able to flip your perspective, how did it feel, did you experience any hurdles. You can either share your experience or your worksheet.
Option 2: FlipIt reflection (from a Coaching Session)
Integrate FlipIt into a peer coaching session, or participate in FlipIt Lab in the role of Coach. Share your experience with your peers. Consider the following prompts
What is Coaching?
International Coach Academy
How Coaches Spend Their Time
International Coach Federation
ICF Core Competencies
International Coach Federation
Ethics is an Intent
International Coach Academy