CIGAR Coaching Template - Free Audio Method Questions Strategic planning

How Can the CIGAR Model Drive You to Success? Discover the Power of Structured Coaching!

The CIGAR Template coaching model is a practical and effective technique used to help individuals clarify their goals and the path towards achieving them. It is a simple framework that brings focus to the current situation and the steps needed to reach a specific outcome. C.I.G.A.R stands for Current Reality, Ideal Outcome, Gaps, Action Steps, and Review.

This CIGAR template can be used to guide both coaches and coachees through the decision-making process, helping identify potential obstacles and solutions. The framework is designed to ensure that every stage of development is monitored, allowing for clear progress and adjustments when needed.

Template for CIGAR Model: How Can This Framework Help You in Strategic planning and Reach Your Goals?

Step	Description	Guiding Questions
Current Reality – Where Are You Now?	The first step focuses on understanding the present situation. By analyzing what’s happening now, you can get a clear picture of your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. Evaluating the current reality is crucial for identifying where to begin.	What’s happening in your work at the moment? What’s the current situation? How does it feel? What’s working well for you right now? What challenges do you face at the moment?
Ideal Outcome – What Do You Want to Achieve?	This step is about identifying your end goal or what success looks like to you. Defining your ideal outcome gives you a target to work toward. Having a clear vision of the goal allows for focused planning.	What would you like to achieve? What specifically are you working towards? What are your goals in relation to the current situation? What will success look like when you reach your goals? What building blocks for success do you need?
Gaps – What’s Standing in Your Way?	In this phase, the focus is on identifying the obstacles or gaps that separate the current reality from the ideal outcome. Understanding these gaps helps you create strategies to overcome them.	What needs to change to reach your ideal outcome? What obstacles are preventing you from achieving your goal? What are the gaps between where you are now and where you want to be? What resources or skills are missing? What is currently holding you back?
Action Steps – What Will You Do to Bridge the Gap?	This step focuses on creating actionable plans to close the gap between your current reality and your ideal outcome. Clearly defined steps ensure accountability and progress.	What steps will you take to bridge the gap? What’s the first step you need to take? What specific actions will move you towards your goal? When will you begin these actions? Who can help you with these steps?
Review – How Will You Monitor Progress?	The final step is about monitoring progress and adjusting the plan if needed. Regular reviews help ensure that actions are aligned with the ideal outcome and adjustments are made to stay on track. Consistent evaluation promotes accountability and sustained momentum.	How are you progressing with your actions? What progress have you made so far? What’s the next step on your action plan? What adjustments, if any, need to be made to your plan? How does it feel to be making progress towards your goal?

The CIGAR model offers a structured coaching template that helps individuals and teams move from their current reality to an ideal outcome. By focusing on the gaps and actionable steps needed to reach their goals, this framework ensures a systematic approach to problem-solving and success. With regular review and adjustments, the model promotes continuous growth and momentum toward achieving objectives.