Unlocking Potential in Public Service: Coaching with the GENIUS Mode
- truthaboutlocalgov
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
In the ever-evolving world of local government, leaders are increasingly called upon to do more than manage—they must inspire, develop, and empower. Coaching is a powerful tool in this leadership toolkit, and Alec McPhedran’s GENIUS Model offers a creative, human-centred approach that resonates deeply with the values of public service.
This blog explores the GENIUS coaching model, summarises its key components, and offers practical insights into how local government officers can apply it to support their teams and grow as coaching leaders.
What is the GENIUS Coaching Model?
Developed by Alec McPhedran, the GENIUS model is a coaching framework designed to support creative thinking, personal development, and transformational change. It builds on the well-known GROW model but adds emotional depth and imaginative scope—making it especially useful in environments where innovation and people-centred leadership are essential.
The acronym GENIUS stands for:
G – Goals
E – Energy
N – Nurturing
I – Inhibitors
U – Utopia
S – Steps
Let’s explore each stage and how it can be applied in a local government context.
1. Goals: Clarifying the Destination
As with many coaching models, GENIUS begins with Goals. This stage is about helping the coachee define what they want to achieve—whether it’s a personal aspiration, a professional milestone, or a team-related outcome.
In local government, goals might include:
Improving team morale.
Leading a successful community engagement project.
Developing confidence in public speaking.
Coaching Tip: Ask questions like:
“What would you like to achieve through this coaching?”
“What does success look like for you?”
This stage sets the direction and ensures the coaching is purposeful.
2. Energy: Tapping into Motivation
The Energy stage is where GENIUS begins to differentiate itself. Here, the coach explores what energises the coachee—what gives them drive, passion, and purpose.
“Energy is the fuel that drives action. Without it, even the clearest goals remain out of reach.” – Alec McPhedran
In the public sector, where staff often face high workloads and limited resources, reconnecting with sources of energy can be transformative.
Coaching Tip: Explore questions like:
“What excites you about this goal?”
“When do you feel most energised at work?”
“What drains your energy—and how can we manage that?”
This stage helps build emotional engagement and resilience.
3. Nurturing: Building Confidence and Support
Nurturing is about creating the right conditions for growth. It involves identifying the internal and external resources that will support the coachee’s journey—such as skills, relationships, values, and self-belief.
In a local government context, this might include:
Mentoring relationships.
Access to training or development programmes.
A supportive team culture.
Coaching Tip: Ask:
“What strengths can you draw on?”
“Who can support you in this?”
“What do you need to nurture in yourself to succeed?”
This stage reinforces self-efficacy and encourages a growth mindset.
4. Inhibitors: Identifying Barriers
Every journey has obstacles. The Inhibitors stage invites the coachee to reflect on what might get in the way of achieving their goals—whether it’s fear, limiting beliefs, organisational constraints, or external pressures.
“Naming the inhibitors is the first step to overcoming them.” – Alec McPhedran
In local government, inhibitors might include:
Bureaucratic red tape.
Resistance to change.
Lack of confidence or imposter syndrome.
Coaching Tip: Gently explore:
“What’s holding you back?”
“What fears or doubts are showing up?”
“What assumptions might be limiting your thinking?”
This stage helps surface hidden challenges and prepares the ground for change.
5. Utopia: Imagining the Ideal Future
This is perhaps the most creative and visionary part of the GENIUS model. Utopia invites the coachee to imagine their ideal outcome—not just in practical terms, but emotionally and experientially.
“Utopia is about visioning a future that is not only possible but deeply desirable.” – Alec McPhedran
In local government, this might involve imagining:
A thriving, collaborative team.
A community project that transforms lives.
A personal sense of fulfilment and purpose in public service.
Coaching Tip: Use visualisation and future-focused questions:
“Imagine it’s six months from now and everything has gone brilliantly—what do you see?”
“How does it feel to have achieved your goal?”
“What’s different in your world?”
This stage taps into intrinsic motivation and helps the coachee connect emotionally with their vision.
6. Steps: Creating the Path Forward
Finally, the Steps stage brings the vision down to earth. It’s about identifying concrete, achievable actions that will move the coachee towards their goal.
In local government, this might include:
Booking a meeting with a mentor.
Drafting a proposal for a new initiative.
Practising a difficult conversation with a colleague.
Coaching Tip: Ask:
“What’s the first step you can take?”
“What will you do this week?”
“How will you hold yourself accountable?”
This stage ensures momentum and builds confidence through action.
Why GENIUS Works for Local Government Leaders
The GENIUS model is particularly well-suited to the public sector for several reasons:
1. It Embraces Emotion and Creativity
Public service is deeply human work. GENIUS acknowledges the emotional and imaginative dimensions of leadership, making it ideal for supporting people through change and complexity.
2. It Encourages Reflective Practice
Each stage of the model invites deep reflection—on values, motivations, barriers, and aspirations. This aligns with the reflective ethos of public service leadership.
3. It Supports Empowerment
By focusing on energy, nurturing, and vision, GENIUS helps staff reconnect with their purpose and take ownership of their development.
4. It’s Flexible and Person-Centred
The model can be adapted to different coaching styles and contexts, making it a versatile tool for local government officers working with diverse teams.
Becoming a GENIUS-Inspired Coach
For local government officers looking to grow as coaches, here are some steps to integrate the GENIUS model into your practice:
Learn the Model: Familiarise yourself with each stage and its purpose.
Practise Deep Listening: Create space for emotion, creativity, and reflection.
Use Visualisation: Help coachees imagine their ideal outcomes.
Encourage Action: Support coachees in taking small, meaningful steps.
Reflect on Your Own Genius: What energises and inspires you as a leader?
Conclusion: Coaching with Heart, Vision, and Action
Alec McPhedran’s GENIUS model offers a rich, holistic approach to coaching that blends structure with creativity, and logic with emotion. For local government leaders, it provides a powerful framework for supporting staff, navigating change, and leading with authenticity.
By guiding others through Goals, Energy, Nurturing, Inhibitors, Utopia, and Steps, coaching becomes not just a conversation—but a catalyst for transformation.
“Coaching is not about fixing people. It’s about helping them discover their own genius.” – Alec McPhedran
In a sector where people are the greatest asset, coaching with GENIUS is not just a method—it’s a mission.
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