In the 4-Step Coaching Model, which is the final step?

• A. Get Agreement that a Performance Need Exists
• B. Decide on a Solution
• C. Follow up
• D. Give Recognition When the Situation is Resolved

Answer: (D)

Closing the loop and reinforcing improvement is the key idea in the final step. After you’ve agreed there’s a performance need, and you’ve chosen and implemented a solution and then followed up to verify progress, the last move is to recognize and acknowledge the improvement once the situation is resolved. This recognition reinforces the new behavior, sustains motivation, and provides clear closure that the coaching effort achieved its aim. Recognition should be specific and timely, tied to the observed change, rather than generic praise.

The earlier steps aren’t the final step because they set up and drive the change: agreeing there’s a need starts the process, deciding on a solution plans what to do, and following up checks that the improvement is actually happening. The final step comes after verification of resolution, to cement the new performance.