How can you identify the impact of personal change on a coachee's performance?

1 Assess the nature and scope of personal change

The first step is to understand the nature and scope of the personal change that your coachee is experiencing. Is it a planned or unplanned change? Is it positive or negative? Is it temporary or permanent? Is it affecting only one aspect of their life or multiple domains? How does it relate to their values, beliefs, and identity? Asking open-ended questions, listening actively, and showing empathy can help you gain a clear picture of the situation and its implications for your coachee.

2 Identify the signs and symptoms of stress and resistance

Personal change can trigger stress and resistance in your coachee, which can impair their performance, motivation, and well-being. Some of the common signs and symptoms of stress and resistance are: physical complaints, such as headaches, fatigue, or insomnia; emotional reactions, such as anxiety, anger, or sadness; cognitive difficulties, such as poor concentration, memory, or decision-making; behavioral changes, such as withdrawal, avoidance, or aggression; and interpersonal conflicts, such as arguments, isolation, or mistrust. You can identify these signs and symptoms by observing your coachee's verbal and non-verbal cues, asking for feedback, and using assessment tools, such as the Holmes-Rahe Life Stress Inventory or the Prosci ADKAR Model.

4 Support the coachee's coping and adaptation strategies

The final step is to support your coachee's coping and adaptation strategies to deal with the personal change and enhance their performance. Coping and adaptation strategies are the actions and attitudes that your coachee adopts to manage the stress and resistance caused by the personal change and to leverage the opportunities and benefits that it offers. Some of the coping and adaptation strategies that you can support are: self-care, such as physical exercise, relaxation, or hobbies; social support, such as family, friends, or mentors; problem-solving, such as setting priorities, making plans, or taking action; positive thinking, such as optimism, gratitude, or affirmations; and learning and development, such as acquiring new skills, knowledge, or perspectives. You can support these strategies by providing encouragement, feedback, resources, and accountability.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?