Who Is Ken Byers?

I am often asked by people what I mean by the term Essential Self-management Technology
which I use to describe my coaching style. In response, I have written the following to try to
explain what I feel is a most effective methodology of coaching.

E.Sm.T. - Essential Self-management Technology, is a term I use to define/describe the method I use
in my coaching practice. It really isn't any kind of explosive new process that will heal the planet, but
it does facilitate exceptional levels of awareness and, in time, can alter behaviors significantly.

E.Sm.T. combines fairly standard coaching theory based on each individual being fully responsible
and accountable for his/her own actions in ways that bring empowerment to their dreams and
desires. E.Sm.T. also adds a substantial twist that conforms to, and is a result of, my own unique
background and experience and is the fundamental principle that I bring to coaching. Although not a
therapeutic process, it finds its roots in what is known as Narrative Psychology, blended with the
change philosophies of Dr. Alexander Everett, the father of the modern human potentials
movement, and Dr. Shad Helmsetter's work in what is called Self-talk.

In applicatory terms, it is a system of inner focus on Values Clarification, Life Vision/Mission
Statement/Goal orientation that, if followed with full commitment, can manage a persons life with
visible progress and measurable results. This is accomplished through conscious awareness of
languaging and the effects that language has on the human neurological system. This system is a
result of many years of studying and evaluating the dozens of effective theories that abound in this
field. I have managed to condense the most effective of them, and add some totally new ideas, into
one program that I believe works wonders for many people and emphasizes the benefits and validity
of personal coaching.

I work within the realm of what is most possible for my clients without outside judgement or
influence. This inner discovery process is anchored and actualized through specific conversations
with the self. The "self," in this instance, is identified by separating the various inner voices which
run us all to varying degrees, such as gremlin, ego, id etc. and giving them names and visual
identities. This creates an emotional/physiological dissociation that allows the client to make
choices he/she would not normally be able to make in the influence of dis/stress or habituated
non-productive behaviors.

That, of course, is only the technology part. I use the term technology because it is a system that
has identifiable parts and can produce predicable results. Beyond that brief narrative, further
explanation becomes more difficult, as such a large part of coaching is intuitive in nature and takes
place reactively as part of the real-time discussion. E.Sm.T. nevertheless, is always directed
toward the theme of non-confrontational personal accountability in the quest for a better, less
stressful and more abundant life.

My function for my clients is to create an envelope in which accountability becomes a way of life. I cannot
find a better definition for Self-management than that.