Your coaching client is hesitant about the process. How can you build a strong rapport with them?

Talk with your client. Simple, right? Share the fears you had when you first got into coaching or even the doubts you had before: I know I had some. Hear and try to understand their viewpoint and be sure to let them know that you're there to support them and help them grow.

If they're hesitant... it's their reality. Respect it. Listen. Ask. Listen more. Then proceed. Chances are that your genuine care and patience will engender comfort.

Setting expectations begins with the very first conversation, even before they become a client. If you're partway into a coaching relationship, either (1) expectations were not clarified upfront, (2) the coach or the client are not meeting their side of the expectations, or (3) something has changed and you may need to reset and form a new agreement.

If you have a one-size-fits-all approach, then that's a major flag that you might be in the wrong profession. :) My approach is uniquely customized for what each client says (or shows) that they need. Over time, a coach gets an intuitive sense for these things. If you get this but are fairly new and need to learn new approaches, then get yourself coaching AND more training! Even coaches need coaches, and the more people you've coached with (as the client), the more approaches you've experienced and can then have in your own toolkit. For training, I highly recommend Ideal Coaching Global -- their program is second-to-none and will transform your life while you're getting trained.

Building a strong rapport with a hesitant coaching client is essential. Show genuine interest in their concerns, actively listen, and validate their feelings. Reflect back on what they share to demonstrate understanding. Understand their perspective and emotions. Acknowledge any fears or uncertainties they express and let them know it’s normal to feel that way. In other words, show EMPATHY.

The simple way around this is to model sharing things that are hard to share (but that we must share in order to make progress). Here's a framework to do that: "Today I'm going to share something before I ask you to share anything. It's something I find difficult to share with others, but I'm learning to. Here's something I don't want you to know about me..." By modeling vulnerability first, it allows the coachee to follow your lead.

Celebrating progress and just making progress visible is key. It's important for the client to feel like they are on a pathway that is going to deliver their desired outcome. It's easy without key milestones, progress indicators to lose sight of this and for the client to lose confidence.

Recognizing and celebrating the client's wins along the way embeds confidence for the Coaching journey/process. Sometimes those wins may not be in the client's awareness as progress yet. It is the imperative that the Coach nonetheless calls them out for the client so that in due course, the compound effect will be evident to the client. Then the client can truly "trust the process".

To further enhance rapport with hesitant coaching clients, it’s crucial to establish a strong online presence by selecting the right platforms and crafting compelling content that speaks to potential clients' needs. Utilize testimonials to showcase real success stories, reinforcing your credibility and relatability. Additionally, managing the design phase effectively and addressing all questions about the process before the first session helps alleviate uncertainties and build trust. Remember, the coaching relationship is a co-creation; be present and engaged, but avoid chasing or convincing anyone. Authentic connections form naturally when both parties are genuinely invested.

To build a strong rapport with a hesitant coaching client, start by actively listening to their concerns and validating their feelings. Show empathy and understanding, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. Share your own experiences or relatable anecdotes to build trust and demonstrate your commitment to their success. Clearly explain the coaching process, setting realistic expectations, and emphasizing the collaborative nature of the relationship. Regularly check in, celebrate small wins, and provide consistent support to reinforce your dedication and their progress.