Your client shuts down during feedback sessions. How do you break through their defenses?
When clients shut down during feedback sessions, it can be challenging to make progress. Here are some strategies to foster openness and effective communication:
How do you encourage openness during feedback sessions? Share your thoughts.
Your client shuts down during feedback sessions. How do you break through their defenses?
When clients shut down during feedback sessions, it can be challenging to make progress. Here are some strategies to foster openness and effective communication:
How do you encourage openness during feedback sessions? Share your thoughts.
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Breaking through a client’s defenses during feedback sessions requires empathy, clarity, and trust. Remember, we are human beings navigating emotions and growth. Here are some strategies you can do: 1- Listen to Understand – Focus on their emotions and responses before offering guidance. 2-Create Psychological Safety – Show genuine care and reassure them this is a conversation for their growth. 3-Start Small – Share feedback in manageable pieces to avoid overwhelming them. Feedback isn’t about perfection; it’s about connection and progress.
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When a client shuts down during feedback sessions, it’s often due to a lack of trust, feeling unseen, or misunderstood. To prevent this as much as possible, I build rapport from our first meeting, creating a safe, trusting environment where they feel seen, heard and validated. I explain the purpose of feedback as a tool for growth and always seek permission before offering it. I also provide balanced feedback, highlighting strengths and areas for improvement to foster openness. If they still shut down, I ask questions to understand their perspective, uncover concerns, and re-establish trust, allowing us to move forward.
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People respond more to the energy you bring than to the words you say. That’s why it's crucial to clear your energy and release any judgment before engaging with clients, creating a safe and open space for them to truly hear and receive. Before giving feedback, ensure your clients understand the key difference between constructive feedback and criticism. Recognize that people process feedback in different ways: some may feel vulnerable, others might become defensive, or even shut down. But high achievers embrace feedback as a tool for growth—they seek it, appreciate it, and use it to elevate themselves. By cultivating this understanding, you create a dynamic environment where progress thrives.
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When clients shut down during feedback, it's key to approach them with empathy and understanding. I focus on creating a safe, non-judgmental space where they feel heard and valued. I ask open-ended questions that encourage reflection, offering them time to process their thoughts without feeling rushed. Instead of focusing solely on what needs improvement, I also highlight strengths to build confidence. It’s all about building trust and rapport. By being patient and compassionate, you can help them lower their defenses. The goal is to open the door to growth. "Acknowledge the silence, and you’ll find the voice of progress."
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believe building trust and creating a safe space is key to breaking through a client's defenses during feedback sessions. Instead of direct criticism, I would use a positive, solution-focused approach, starting with their strengths before addressing areas for improvement. Asking open-ended questions and actively listening helps them feel heard and in control of the conversation. I’d also adapt my communication style—using gentle, constructive language and framing feedback as a collaborative effort rather than criticism.