Your coaching client is resistant to feedback. How can you effectively navigate the conversation?

This may sound contrarian, but I don't think any coaching conversation between a coach and a client should involve "giving feedback." I believe a coach's job is simply to ask the client questions from perspectives they may not have considered. Their answers will lead to epiphanies that lead to their own insights. So their progress is never reliant on your "feedback" as a coach. But if they're telling you they're resistant to feedback from a manager or someone on their team - this is a different context. But the way through is still the same. Ask them questions from different perspectives they may not have considered and let them lead themselves to their own insights that hold the key to the answers they need to move through a situation.

Another approach could be to ask the client to give self-feedback. Instead of giving the client feedback, ask your client curious questions. Find a hook in his / her answers and continue from there.

As a coach, I approach resistance with curiosityt. I recognize that it often stems from fear, insecurity, or past negative experiences. When I encounter resistance, I ask open-ended questions like "What concerns you about this feedback?" or "How have you experienced feedback in the past?" I listen actively and paying attention to non-verbal cues and emotional reactions. I consider that resistance may indicate a misalignment between the feedback and the client's self-perception or goals. By exploring resistance collaboratively, I gain insights into my client's mindset and barriers to growth. This understanding allows me to tailor my approach and create a safe space for the client to engage with feedback constructively.

I focus on creating a safe and supportive environment. I begin by reaffirming confidentiality and my commitment to their growth. I demonstrate genuine care and respect for their perspective and share my own experiences with receiving challenging feedback to normalize the process. I'm transparent about my intentions and the potential benefits of the feedback. I consistently follow through on my commitments to build credibility. I practice active listening and validate their feelings without judgment. I involve the client in the feedback process by asking for their input and preferences on how they'd like to receive feedback. I allow them to set the pace for implementing changes and celebrate small wins.

- Build a strong foundation of trust and rapport with your coaching client to create a safe and supportive environment for feedback. - Demonstrate empathy, active listening, and confidentiality to foster a sense of trust and openness in your coaching relationship. - Communicate your intentions clearly and transparently, emphasizing your commitment to their growth and success.

Turn the tables by asking the client to give the feedback. This will help them take their guard down and look for solutions. It may initiate a conversation that allows feedback from the coach to be received as well.

- Present feedback as an opportunity for learning, growth, and improvement rather than criticism or judgment. - Frame feedback in a positive and constructive manner, focusing on specific behaviors, actions, or outcomes that can be changed or improved. - Encourage your client to view feedback as valuable input that can help them achieve their goals and reach their full potential.

- Facilitate self-reflection by asking open-ended questions, encouraging introspection, and promoting self-awareness in your coaching client. - Help your client explore their thoughts, feelings, and motivations behind their resistance to feedback, guiding them towards insights and self-discovery. - Empower your client to take ownership of their growth and development by fostering a culture of self-reflection and continuous improvement.

This is so interesting question- I like the adage "resistance is a lack of rapport" Keep working on rapport. Sometimes it can take a number of sessions to achieve the level of rapport that the client needs to open up to difficult realisations. Dont give feedback without permission. Sometimes clients aren't ready yet. Maybe feedback isn't the right think to do - stories, suggestion such as I've noticed, give the client ownership of the next step.

Para lidar com um cliente resistente ao feedback, é fundamental criar um ambiente de confiança desde o início da conversa. Escutar ativamente suas preocupações e perspectivas, sem interrupções, é crucial para demonstrar empatia e respeito. Uma técnica eficaz que posso aplicar é o modelo "EARS" (Explore, Acknowledge, Respond, Seek feedback), onde começo explorando suas preocupações, reconheço suas emoções, respondo com empatia e, por fim, procuro feedback sobre como podemos avançar juntos. Isso ajuda o cliente a se sentir ouvido e valorizado, facilitando uma discussão construtiva sobre seu desenvolvimento e metas.