Last updated on Jul 11, 2024

Your client doubts the feedback you provide. How can you regain their trust in your coaching?

As a career development coach, encountering skepticism from clients about the feedback provided is not uncommon. Trust is the cornerstone of any coaching relationship, and when it's shaken, the effectiveness of the coaching process can be compromised. The key to regaining trust lies in understanding the root of the doubt and addressing it with empathy, patience, and strategic action. By reaffirming your commitment to their growth and leveraging your expertise, you can rebuild a strong foundation for continued progress.

1 Acknowledge Concerns

When your client expresses doubts about the feedback you provide, the first step is to acknowledge their concerns without defensiveness. Listen intently to understand why they are questioning your advice. This demonstrates respect for their perspective and shows that you are not dismissive of their feelings. By validating their concerns, you create an environment where open communication can thrive, paving the way for trust to be re-established.

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Carolina Dorte Gadbem

Master coach de carreira | Transição de carreira | Desenvolvimento de carreira | Alta Performance | Analista de perfil comportamental | Engajamento de equipes | Desenvolvimento de liderança | Coaching para empresas
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A metodologia de coaching que eu aplico é baseada em gerar ação a partir do que o meu cliente ve que é melhor para ele. Então nesse caso eu não aconselho ele, eu guio ele a encontrar as respostas que ele precisa. Em qualquer impasse que acontece durante as sessões, eu escuto atentamente o que ele está me dizendo.

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Tanja Podvršan, ACC

Empowering Bilinguals, Expats, & Third Culture Individuals to Confidently Build Careers with Purpose & Impact in English-Speaking Countries | Career Coach ACC ICF | Expat Transition & Outplacement Specialist 🇺🇸🇸🇮🇫🇷
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Soyez transparent : Expliquez clairement vos conseils avec des exemples concrets. Écoutez activement : Montrez que vous respectez ses préoccupations. Admettez les erreurs : Soyez honnête si vous avez fait une erreur. Montrez des résultats passés : Partagez des témoignages de succès. Personnalisez votre approche : Adaptez vos conseils aux besoins spécifiques du client. Impliquez le client : Intégrez ses idées et encouragez sa participation. Soyez patient : La confiance prend du temps à se reconstruire.

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2 Open Dialogue

Maintaining an open dialogue is crucial in addressing the concerns of a skeptical client. Encourage them to share specific instances where they felt the feedback was not aligned with their expectations or goals. This conversation should be a two-way street, where you also share the rationale behind your feedback, ensuring transparency in your approach. Through this exchange, you can identify any misunderstandings and work collaboratively to resolve them.

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Carolina Dorte Gadbem

Master coach de carreira | Transição de carreira | Desenvolvimento de carreira | Alta Performance | Analista de perfil comportamental | Engajamento de equipes | Desenvolvimento de liderança | Coaching para empresas
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Os processos de coaching possuem confidencialidade profissional, portanto, o meu cliente sabe que nada do que ele me falar vai sair de dentro da sessão. Ou seja, outras pessoas só saberão o que ele me disse, se ele contar para alguém ou se ele me autorizar a falar. Outro ponto que eu já deixo claro desde a primeira sessão é que em nenhum momento eu vou julgar ele pelo que ele me falar. Esses dois critérios são base para a transparência durante as sessões.

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3 Revisit Goals

Sometimes, doubt arises when there's a disconnect between the feedback provided and the client's goals. Take this opportunity to revisit and clarify their objectives. Ensure that the feedback is directly tied to their career aspirations and that they understand how your guidance supports their journey. This alignment can reinforce the value of your coaching and help regain their trust in the process.

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Carolina Dorte Gadbem

Master coach de carreira | Transição de carreira | Desenvolvimento de carreira | Alta Performance | Analista de perfil comportamental | Engajamento de equipes | Desenvolvimento de liderança | Coaching para empresas
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Em todas as sessões verificamos a evolução em relação a meta. A cada sessão o meu cliente sente que a meta está mais próxima de ser alcançada. As vezes, meu cliente entende que o melhor resultado que ele teria seria mudando a meta, o que pode ser feito durante o processo.

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4 Provide Evidence

In some cases, providing evidence can help to substantiate your feedback and regain trust. Share examples of how similar advice has positively impacted other clients or relate it to industry best practices. This evidence should not be used to prove the client wrong but rather to show the thought process behind your recommendations and how they are grounded in successful outcomes.

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5 Flexibility in Approach

Regaining trust may require you to demonstrate flexibility in your coaching approach. If your client's feedback indicates that a particular method isn't resonating with them, be open to adjusting your techniques or exploring alternative strategies. This willingness to adapt shows that you are committed to finding the best way to support their unique needs and can help rebuild confidence in your coaching.

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6 Reinforce Partnership

Finally, emphasize that the coaching relationship is a partnership where both parties work towards a common goal. Reassure your client that their success is your priority and that you are invested in their growth. By reinforcing this collaborative spirit, you can remind them that your feedback is not a critique but a tool designed to help them reach their full potential.

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Melinda Ng

✨I focus on self-improvement and cultivating a growth mindset ✨ Legal Executive Search ✨ Career Development Trainer & Speaker✨
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We need to think in the mindset that the doubt was not intentional, but due to different perspectives. So, when a client doubts feedback, emphasize transparency and clarity in communication. Clearly explain the rationale behind your feedback, providing data and examples to support your recommendations. We must also listen actively to their concerns and address them empathetically, and we can only foster trust by consistently delivering results and demonstrating your expertise through successful outcomes. Take the opportunity to collaborate even closely with the client to co-create solutions and ensure their needs are met effectively, building a stronger partnership based on mutual respect and understanding.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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Your client doubts the feedback you provide. How can you regain their trust in your coaching?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Open Dialogue

3 Revisit Goals

4 Provide Evidence

5 Flexibility in Approach

6 Reinforce Partnership

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development Coaching

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Your client doubts the feedback you provide. How can you regain their trust in your coaching?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Acknowledge Concerns

2 Open Dialogue

3 Revisit Goals

4 Provide Evidence

5 Flexibility in Approach

6 Reinforce Partnership

7 Here’s what else to consider

Career Development Coaching

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

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