How the Effectiveness Coaching Model uses Mental Models

Sukjae Lee Ph.D.

Creator of the Effectiveness Coaching Methodology

2025. 12. 2

 

The Effectiveness Coaching Model (ECM) and the mental model have a key, interdependent relationship where the coaching model provides the structure and process for identifying, challenging, and transforming a client's existing mental models to drive behavioral change and improved results.

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The Role of Mental Models

A mental model is a simplified representation or framework that an individual uses to understand the world, make sense of complex situations, predict outcomes, and guide their actions.1 They are essentially deeply held beliefs, assumptions, and ways of thinking.2

 

In the context of coaching:

• Mental models drive behavior: A client's current mental models (e.g., "I'm not good at public speaking," or "Success requires working 80 hours a week") directly influence their actions and the results they achieve.3
• They can be limiting: Ineffective or outdated mental models often serve as cognitive constraints that prevent a client from seeing new possibilities or taking necessary steps toward their goals.4

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 How the Effectiveness Coaching Model Utilizes Mental Models

The Effectiveness Coaching Model—particularly models that emphasize cognitive or internal change, such as the 3S-FORM Model—uses a structured process to address these underlying mental models.

 

 

1. Diagnosis and Awareness (Identifying the Current Model)

The coaching process begins by helping the client identify their current, often unconscious, mental models. The ECM uses processes like the ABC Framework (Antecedent $\to$ Behavior $\to$ Consequence) to pinpoint the specific thoughts and beliefs (the internal growth engine, or 3S: Self-Awareness, Self-Talk, Self-Reflection) that trigger or reinforce ineffective behaviors.

2. Reframing and Transformation (Challenging the Model)

This is the core of the relationship. The coaching model provides techniques and a safe space to challenge the limiting mental model.

• The "Reframe" stage in processes like the FORM model is explicitly designed to help the client adopt a new, more effective mental model.6 This involves helping them view the situation or themselves from a different, empowering perspective.
• The coach uses cognitive strategies to replace ineffective beliefs with new, effective ones that enhance the possibility of achieving desired results.7

3. Action and Reinforcement (Applying the New Model)

The final stages of the ECM focus on translating the new mental model into concrete action and effective results.

• By adopting a new mental model (e.g., changing "I'm not good at X" to "I can learn and improve at X"), the client gains new options and the will (or motivation) to take action.
• The coaching structure ensures the new mental model is tested through behavioral changes and reinforced by positive outcomes, making the new, more effective mental model permanent.

In summary, the Effectiveness Coaching Model is the methodology that coaches use, while the mental model represents the underlying target—the way the client currently thinks—that must be modified for coaching to be effective.

 

4. Why Dr. Lee's Methodology(ECM) uses Mental Models Differently

Unlike general coaching frameworks, Dr. Lee treats mental models not as abstract “beliefs,” but as practical, coachable units of meaning that directly connect:

• internal narratives
• behavioral patterns
• developmental drivers
• emotional interpretations
• self-regulatory capacity
• effectiveness outcomes

This creates a dual-engine architecture (3S + FORM) that simultaneously transforms:

1. internal drivers (mental models, self-interpretations)
2. external behaviors (critical actions toward desired results)

Together, this forms an integrated system for predictable behavioral change.

 

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.