What do you do if your coaching clients have unique problem-solving needs?

As a coach, it's crucial to be adaptable to address their unique problem-solving needs. Embracing uncertainty and celebrating creativity are key when coaching clients with unique problem-solving needs. By acknowledging that there might not be a single "perfect" solution and recognizing your client's creativity and willingness to explore unconventional solutions, you can identify approaches that move the client forward effectively. By actively listening, adapting your approach, and fostering collaboration, you can effectively guide clients with unique problem-solving needs. The coaching journey is about empowering your client to discover their own solutions and build resilience in the face of unconventional challenges.

One thing I've found helpful is to help your client really identify the problem and articulate it. A good place to start is to get them to ask the 5 Whys, so they can drill down to identify what the problem really is. The 5 Whys, in simple terms, is asking 'Why' 5 times until they get to the root cause of the problem. What this does is it helps you to not wrongly label the symptom of a problem as its root cause.

Tailor coaching sessions to address their specific needs, leveraging a variety of problem-solving techniques and approaches to find solutions that resonate with them individually.

The unique needs of the client can be addressed in a one-one career coaching session. After understanding the need, the coach and client work together to find the custom solution that will be tailored for the client. There is no one-fit-all solution because each person is unique and so are their circumstances. The coaching outcome should be something that the client will be able to do, with his strength and possibilities, in his environment. That's why in a coaching session we say the client is the driver.. THEY drive the conversation and take it to the destination by themselves. Coach will be a co-passenger supporting them in the journey!

In this situation, it’s essential to tailor your approach using NLP techniques. For example, let’s say a client struggles with decision-making due to anxiety about making the wrong choice. In this scenario, you might employ reframing techniques to help them view decision-making as an opportunity for growth rather than a source of stress. Additionally, using anchoring techniques, you could help them anchor a state of confidence and clarity to specific decision-making situations. Finally, employing modeling techniques, such as studying successful decision-makers and identifying their strategies, can provide practical guidance for your client to develop their problem-solving skills in a way that suits their individual needs.

What I like to keep top of mind here is to not rush into 'Solving Mode' or 'Helping Mode'. As much as you care about your clients, it is more important that they learn how to solve problems by themselves than that you help them solve their problems. This way, even when you're not available, they can take ownership of their lives and situations and come up with solutions to their problems. So, rather than solve for them, equip them to solve for themselves and others. Give them the tools they need to do this for themselves. This does more for them.

Once my client gets a win using the 5 Whys, I'll encourage the client to reinforce this problem-solving skill by applying it to other problems. Skills are built by reinforcement. Repetition improves confidence which then builds habit.

Problem-solving is a critical skill that I nurture in clients through various models and real-world practice. By breaking down complex issues, prioritizing tasks, and fostering critical thinking, I aim to enhance their confidence and capability in finding solutions. Technology, collaboration, and continuous learning are integral to this adaptive, hands-on approach to education.

1. Listen well to understand. 2. Customize coaching for them. 3. Teach different problem-solving ways. 4. Encourage trying new things. 5. Support them all the way. 6. Work together on solutions. 7. Check progress and change as needed. 8. Be flexible in coaching. 9. Celebrate their wins. 10. Keep talking and adjusting to help them succeed.