Have you heard of the Dartmouth scar experiment?
In 1980, two psychologists, Richard Kleck and Angelo Strenta, did an experiment to study how people with a perceived physical deformity believe others view them.
The participants were given make-up to simulate a realistic facial scar. They were shown the scar in a mirror and sent to be interviewed by a stranger. But just before the interview, the make-up artist came back and told them he had to touch up the scar.
Unbeknownst to the participants, what the make-up artist actually did was to remove the “scar”. So the participants went on with the interview, thinking they were still disfigured.
The results were striking. The participants came back to report feeling stigmatized and that the interviewer reacted negatively to the scar… even though it was not really there!
This fascinating experiment shows how our self-perception distorts how we interpret the world around us. Going beyond physical appearance, it shows how our mental models and internal beliefs shape the way we respond to circumstances.
You see where I am going. While there is the kind of coaching that seeks to solve a problem (e.g., using the GROW model), transformative coaching seeks to uncover the coachee’s self-perception. Once that awareness is evoked, new beliefs and thinking can be explored.
I once had a coachee who was unhappy in her work. “But I’m helpless,” she said, “I need this job.” When we explored her options (suck it up, find another job, talk to her boss, create a new purpose, etc.), she began to realize that she was not as helpless as she thought. She still had some issues with her work, but at least she had some hope.
By the way, you as the coach… what are your self-perceptions? If you feel unsure you are effective as a coach, don’t be surprised if you have some misgivings after the coaching session was over while the coachee was very satisfied!
Self-perceptions require self-awareness and reflection to surface, which are hallmarks of high emotional intelligence. Be mindful of the power of self-perception – whether as a positive or a negative force – and you may help the coachee to arrive at the breakthrough he seeks.
March 26, 2026
0 Comments