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 idea of coaching effectiveness (how well a coach performs) and the specific, trademarked Effectiveness Coaching Methodology, developed by Dr. Lee Suk-Jae. This methodology is a structured, evidence-based system designed to increase the probability of achieving desired results (Lee, 2014; 2020; 2024).

The Inner Growth Engine is the mechanism that transforms awareness, self-talk, and reflection into meaningful insight. It enables individuals to reframe experience, adjust behavior, and move toward more effective results.

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1. Core Philosophy: What Is “Effectiveness”?

In this methodology, Effectiveness is defined as the degree to which desired results are achieved.
This differs from general coaching, which often focuses on broad personal growth or potential.

Premise:
People naturally seek effectiveness because it increases the likelihood of achieving what they want in life.

Goal:
Identify and strengthen the factors that influence result achievement.

Approach:
Integrate individual, team, and organizational effectiveness into one coherent system.

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2. Behavioral Change Tool: The ABC Framework

To modify specific behaviors, Effectiveness Coaching uses the ABC Framework, grounded in behavioral science.

• A – Antecedent: What triggers the behavior? (Need for Change)
• B – Behavior: The specific action taken. (Critical Behavior)
• C – Consequence: The result (positive or negative). (Effective Results)

How it works:
The client examines a recurring issue using ABC. To change the desired C, the client typically must adjust A or B, rather than hoping outcomes change on their own.

This framework forms the foundation for conducting targeted behavioral analysis in the Effectiveness Coaching Model.

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3. Central Framework: The 3S-FORM System

The core of the methodology is the 3S-FORM Model, which clearly separates the roles of the coachee and the coach.

The Coachee’s Role — “3S”: The Inner Growth Engine

Sustainable change requires the coachee to engage three internal cognitive processes:

• Self-Awareness:
  Objectively recognizing one’s emotional state, thought patterns, and behaviors.
• Self-Talk:
  Using internal dialogue to motivate action and transform limiting thoughts into constructive ones.
• Self-Reflection:
  Analyzing actions and outcomes to learn, adjust, and deepen insight.

Together, these processes form the Inner Growth Engine—the mental system that interprets feedback, reframes situations, generates insight, and guides more effective behavior.

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The Coach’s Role — “FORM”: The External Structure

While the coachee activates the 3S processes, the coach facilitates change using the FORM structure:

• F – Feedback:
  Explore the current situation and help the client accept objective reality.
• O – Opportunity:
  Cultivate a growth-oriented mindset by framing challenges as opportunities.
• R – Reframe:
  Shift perspective to uncover new solutions and encourage commitment to action.
• M – Move Forward:
  Support execution, monitor progress, and reinforce successful patterns.

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4. Why This Methodology Is Different

FeatureEffectiveness Coaching MethodologyGeneral Coaching Models (e.g., GROW)

Primary Focus	Increasing the probability of achieving results	Problem-solving or general goal-setting
Structure	Dual-process: Coachee uses 3S, Coach uses FORM	Coach leads a single structured conversation
Scientific Basis	Integrated behavioral science + effectiveness diagnostics (ELA/TEA/OEA)	General psychology or management theory

This structured dual-process—internal engine + external guidance—creates a stronger mechanism for meaningful and sustained behavioral change.

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References

Lee, Sukjae (2006). Develop 18 Core Leadership Competencies.
Lee, Sukjae (2014). Effectiveness Coaching by a Business Psychologist.
Lee, Sukjae (2019). Thought Revolution That Changes My Life.
Lee, Sukjae (2020). Coaching Methodology.
Lee, Sukjae (2020). How to Use a Wandering Mind.
Lee, Sukjae (2023). Field-Focused Coaching Psychology.
Lee, Sukjae (2024). Coaching Psychology Class for Boosting Execution.
Lee, Sukjae (2024). Thinking Partner.
Lee, Sukjae & Lee, Jongseo (2025). Perspective Shifting.