The BODY Coaching Model: A Practical Framework for Structured Conversations

The BODY coaching model provides a simple, physical metaphor to guide coaching conversations—from high-level thinking to grounded actions. Introduced by Paul Tizzard in the Fenman Coach the Coach Series, this model helps managers and coaches cover the full spectrum of awareness, feelings, options, and action.

Each part of the BODY—Head, Body, Legs, and Feet—represents a stage of the coaching process:

🧠 Head: Big Picture Thinking

Use "head" questions to understand the goal or desired outcome. These set the direction and tone for the conversation.

  • What will success look like for us?
  • If we resolved this problem, what would we be saying to ourselves?
  • What do we think about this problem?
  • Where are we heading?

💬 Body: Current Reality & Emotions

"Body" questions help surface what's happening now—what’s been tried, how it feels, and the instincts behind it.

  • What is going on now?
  • What has been tried already?
  • How did that work?
  • How do we feel about it?
  • What is our gut instinct?

🦵 Legs: Exploring Possibilities

"Legs" focus on movement—new options, support networks, and where to seek guidance.

  • Where could we go for answers or assistance?
  • What else could we do?
  • What support do we need?

👣 Feet: Committing to Action

"Feet" ground the session in tangible next steps. These questions help define an action plan and measure commitment.

  • What are our next steps?
  • What are the steps after that?
  • On a scale of 1-10, how committed are we to taking these steps?

⚖️ When to Use the BODY Model

This model is especially helpful for coaching sessions that are emotionally charged or when the issue is complex. If your team member needs to connect feelings with action, BODY is often more suitable than linear frameworks like GROW. Use it to slow the pace, deepen understanding, and co-create meaningful action.

🆚 BODY vs GROW: Which Should You Use?

If you’re working with performance goals that require rapid clarity, the GROW model might be better suited. But when emotional cues, resistance to change, or relationship dynamics are central, BODY helps uncover what’s under the surface.

📘 A Real Coaching Example

At a logistics firm, a line manager used the BODY model during a tough coaching session with an underperforming supervisor. The “gut instinct” question helped uncover an internal conflict the supervisor hadn’t voiced before—ultimately reshaping how tasks were assigned across the team.

Want to explore your own coaching style?

Try our Coaching Skills Self-Assessment

📦 Train Others to Coach Effectively

Download our ready-to-use Coaching People training package. Perfect for internal coaches, team leaders, or HR professionals who want to introduce structured coaching approaches:

Coaching People – Full Training Material Package

  • ✅ Editable trainer guide, workbook, and slides
  • ✅ Real-world coaching activities
  • ✅ Introduces both GROW and BODY models