Your client questions your coaching methods. How can you navigate their skepticism effectively?

The cornerstone of addressing any client concern, including skepticism about coaching methods, is active listening. It's essential to create a safe and open space for the client to express their doubts without feeling judged or defensive.

-Explain the rationale behind your methods with clear examples. -Show how your approach aligns with their goals and needs. -Invite feedback and be open to adjusting methods based on their input.

After listening to your client's concerns, articulate the value of your coaching methods. Explain how your techniques help achieve their goals, using relatable examples and success stories to illustrate effectiveness. Highlight the adaptability of your methods and the collaborative nature of coaching. Be patient and clear, addressing skepticism with evidence of success. Emphasize that coaching is a partnership aimed at unlocking their potential. Encourage viewing challenges as opportunities for growth, making the connection between your methods and their success tangible and believable.

Value in coaching is the perceived benefit the client receives from the coaching process. It's about demonstrating how your methods will help them achieve their goals and overcome challenges.

-Explain how your techniques are specifically designed to help them reach their goals. -Use relatable examples or success stories to illustrate past successes. -Ensure your explanation addresses their unique needs and expectations.

A healthy level of skepticism can enhance the coaching relationship, fostering open dialogue and deeper conversations. As coaches, we must be flexible, adapting our methods to each unique situation and exploring various techniques to ensure a personalized, professional, and effective coaching process. Ultimately, our goal is to partner with clients, illuminating their path to success and helping them achieve their fullest potential.

I often have clients that have some skepticism when we dive into our coaching work together. When I'm working with folks that have spent time in corporate careers, I'm not surprised that they have this orientation, especially because my invitations are a bit "woo" (reflections, mindfulness, somatic practices). I think this is healthy, and use it as an opportunity to better understand their perspective and concerns. Often it points to a lack of trust in themselves. Can they trust that they are capable of deciding what works for them without an external "expert" saying what's proven? I ask my clients to try it on, to see what happens when they pay close attention to what unfolds (aka FAFO). Sometimes, not always, something new emerges.