The Inner Growth Engine of Effectiveness Coaching

Sukjae Lee Ph.D.

Creator of the Effectiveness Coaching Methodology

2025. 11. 27

 

Growth Engine driving inner development

 

It is important to distinguish between the general concept of "coaching effectiveness" (how well a coach performs) and the specific, trademarked Effectiveness Coaching Methodology. The following is a detailed overview of the specific Effectiveness Coaching Methodology developed by Dr. Sukjae Lee (often cited as Seokjae Lee), a prominent business psychologist. This methodology is distinct because it is a structured, evidence-based system designed to maximize the probability of achieving desired results (S. Lee, 2014; 2020; 2024). The Inner Growth Engine is the internal mechanism that turns awareness, self-talk, and reflection into meaningful insight. It helps individuals reframe experiences, realign behavior, and move toward more effective results.

 

1. Core Philosophy: What is "Effectiveness"?

In this methodology, "Effectiveness" is strictly defined as the degree to which desired results are achieved.

Unlike general coaching, which might focus broadly on "growth" or "potential," Effectiveness Coaching is relentlessly outcome-oriented. It operates on the core assumption that "People inherently seek effectiveness to increase the possibility of achieving their desired results in life."

• Goal: To identify and promote the specific factors that influence result achievement.
• Approach: It integrates individual, team, and organizational effectiveness into a single system.

 

2. The Behavioral Change Tool: ABC Framework

To modify specific behaviors, Effectiveness Coaching utilizes the ABC Framework, drawn from behavioral science. It helps clients understand the "why" behind their actions.

• A - Antecedent (Trigger): What happens before the behavior? (e.g., stress, a specific person, a time of day).
• B - Behavior: The specific action the client takes.
• C - Consequence: The result of that behavior (positive or negative).

How it works: The coach helps the client analyze a recurring issue by mapping it to ABC. To change the C (Result), the client must usually alter the A (Trigger) or the B (Response), rather than just hoping for a different outcome.

 

3. Effectiveness Coaching Model

The ABC Framework (Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence) is one of the most immediately useful tools from this methodology for personal effectiveness. This is the foundation of Effectiveness Coaching Model which helps you (or the coach) conduct an ABC analysis for a specific challenge or habit you are currently trying to change.

• A - Need for Change.
• B - Critical Behavior.
• C - Effective Results.

 

4. The Central Framework: 3S-FORM

The heartbeat of this methodology is the 3S-FORM Model. It uniquely separates the role of the Coachee (Inner Growth Engine/Internal Engine) from the role of the Coach (External Structure).

The Coachee’s Role: The "3S" Inner Growth Engine

For sustainable change to happen, the coachee must actively engage three internal cognitive activities:

• Self-Awareness: Objectively viewing one's current state, emotions, and behavioral patterns.
• Self-Talk: Engaging in internal dialogue to motivate oneself and transform negative thoughts into positive drivers.
• Self-Reflection: deeply analyzing actions and outcomes to learn and adjust.

The Inner Growth Engine is the internal psychological mechanism through which a person transforms experience into development. It is powered by the combined processes of self-awareness, self-talk, and self-reflection, which work together to interpret feedback, generate insight, reframe situations, and guide constructive action. When activated, this engine enables individuals to realign their thinking, expand perspective (reframe/ perspective shifting), and move toward more effective behavior and results.

The Coach’s Role: The "FORM" Process

While the coachee engages the 3S, the coach guides the conversation using the FORM structure:

1. F - Feedback: Exploring the current situation. The coach helps the client accept objective feedback about their current reality.
2. O - Opportunity: Creating a "challenging spirit." The coach helps the client see problems as new opportunities for growth.
3. R - Reframe: Changing perspective. The coach aids the client in shifting their viewpoint (reframing) to see new solutions and commit to action.
4. M - Move Forward: Execution and Evaluation. The coach supports the client in taking action, monitoring progress, and reinforcing success.

5. Why this Methodology is Different

Feature	Effectiveness Coaching Methodology	General Coaching Models (e.g., GROW)
Primary Focus	Maximizing the probability of achieving results.	Problem-solving or general goal setting.
Structure	Dual-process: Coachee does 3S (internal) while Coach does FORM (external).	Coach leads the process (Goals -> Reality...).
Basis	Integrated Behavioral Science & Effectiveness Diagnostics (ELA/TEA/OEA).	General psychology / management theory.

 

References

Lee, Sukjae (2006). Develop 18 Core Leadership Competencies. Seoul: Kim & Kim Books.

Lee, Sukjae (2014). Effectiveness Coaching by a Business Psychologist. Seoul: Kim & Kim Books.

Lee, Sukjae (2019). Thought Revolution That Changes My Life. Seoul: Wildbooks.

Lee, Sukjae (2020). Coaching Methodology. Seoul: Korea Coaching Supervision.

Lee, Sukjae (2020). How to Use a Wandering Mind. Seoul: Plan B Design.

Lee, Sukjae (2023). Field-Focused Coaching Psychology. Seoul: Hakjisa.

Lee, Sukjae (2024). Coaching Psychology Class for Boosting Execution. Seoul: Hakjisa.

Lee, Sukjae (2024). Thinking Partner. Gyeonggi: Moa Books.

Lee, Sukjae & Lee, Jongseo (2025). Perspective Shifting. Seoul: Parkyoungstory.