Your client is resisting your coaching suggestions. How can you effectively guide them towards progress?

1 Build Trust

Establishing a strong foundation of trust is essential when you encounter resistance. Your client needs to feel that you understand their situation and that you're genuinely invested in their success. Start by listening actively to their concerns and validating their feelings. This doesn't mean you agree with their stance, but it shows empathy and respect for their point of view. Once trust is established, clients are more likely to open up and consider your suggestions, knowing they come from a place of support.

3 Set Goals

Setting clear, achievable goals is a powerful way to overcome resistance. Work with your client to define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals that inspire them. Break down larger objectives into smaller steps to prevent overwhelm and provide a sense of progress. Celebrate each milestone, no matter how small, to build momentum and reinforce the benefits of following through with your coaching suggestions.

4 Offer Choice

Resistance can often be a reaction to feeling a lack of control. To counteract this, offer your client choices within the coaching process. By involving them in decision-making, you empower them to take ownership of their journey. Present multiple pathways to achieve their goals and let them choose the one that resonates most. This sense of autonomy can reduce resistance and encourage commitment to the coaching process.

6 Foster Insight

Encouraging self-discovery can help clients move past resistance. Ask insightful questions that prompt them to reflect on their motivations, fears, and barriers. When clients arrive at their own realizations about what's holding them back, they're more likely to commit to change. Your role is to facilitate this process of insight, guiding them towards a deeper understanding of themselves and how they can overcome obstacles to progress.