Build Trust
Strong client relationships are built on trust. Listen actively and with patience to ensure your client feels heard. Create a positive rapport with compassion for where they are, and genuine interest in where they want to go. Expressing honest concern for their well-being will allow your clients to feel safe and understood.
Building trust is a must to avoid client resistance.
Set Expectations
New clients need to understand your coaching process and establishing clear guidelines can stop resistance. How do you help them set goals before, during and after a session? What does feedback look like? Setting mutual expectations around your coaching agreement can help.
Create Safety
An unsafe atmosphere can create immediate resistance. Confidentiality is essential. Being in a space that is conducive to uninterrupted conversation is a must. Providing an environment where your client can feel safe to express doubts, fear or even anger is essential.
Get Below the Surface
If your client is offering resistance to options, explore the hidden reasons. Is it fear? Lack of confidence? Has a past experience come forward to block their view?
Using open-ended questions can allow someone to reveal what they may not have seen before. Being able to explore and express their thoughts and feelings safely can allow the resistance to naturally show up. Validating their feelings and experiences is respectful. When acknowledged, resistance will often just fade away.
Focus on Success
Often, resistance is caused by a client forgetting their own strengths and powerful abilities. Helping them remember their past achievements can refocus them on future success.
Help your client remember their past successes.
Patiently Persist
Every client is unique and different. What works well for one may not for another. Be patient as you explore break-through strategies to avoid client resistance. Their success depends on it!
To learn more, check out The Coach Business Guide: The Path to Launch and Grow your Coaching Practice, Chapter 1 – Getting Started.
thank you. Great advice
[…] Reinforce what your client is already doing well by focusing on the positive. This boosts confidence and motivation. Highlighting strengths alongside areas for improvement creates a balanced perspective. This can ensure clients feel both encouraged and challenged to make changes. […]