Your coaching client has been let down before. How can you rebuild trust and rapport with them?

We have all been let down before (most likely). By that we can form generalisations that for example the next boss or colleague might let us down again. Listen closely and ask to get more specific answers. Who let the other person down? In what situation? Who else didn't let them down? Try to understand and listen and by that make your client understand that it maybe was just one person who let him down.

- Give your coaching client your full attention and actively listen to their concerns, feelings, and experiences. - Practice reflective listening by paraphrasing what they've said to show that you understand and care about their perspective. - Encourage open communication and create a safe space for them to express themselves without judgment.

Truly hear your client's concerns, fears, and past experiences. Give them your full attention, maintain eye contact, and use verbal and non-verbal cues to show you're engaged. Reflect back what you've heard to ensure understanding.

This is key in all genuine relationships. To show empathy is to show that you understand and respect your client's feelings - and this is the base for a long-lasting connection. You see, for you to be able to support and guide a client, your sessions must be a safe and honest place - something that is only achievable with respect and genuine care for the other person's well-being. A great way to demonstrate that you really understand what your client is going through is to share a personal story with them, where you felt in the exact same way they are feeling now. This way you show that you've not only listened to what they told you but that you fully understand what they are feeling, as you can 10% relate.

- Put yourself in your client's shoes and try to understand their emotions and point of view. - Validate their feelings and experiences to show that you empathize with their situation. - Express genuine concern and compassion for their well-being to build a strong emotional connection.

By being proactive and maintaining a positive attitude, you demonstrate your dedication to improving the working relationship. This proactive stance not only helps to defuse tension but also builds trust and respect. Clients will appreciate your commitment to finding a way forward that benefits everyone involved, reinforcing the strength and reliability of your professional relationship.

Acknowledge their feelings and past disappointments. Let them know you understand their hesitation and that their experiences are valid. Share a personal story if appropriate to show you can relate.

- Be honest and open with your coaching client about your intentions, methods, and limitations. - Share relevant information about your coaching process and how you plan to support them moving forward. - Address any concerns or doubts they may have by providing clear and transparent communication.

- Set clear boundaries and expectations for your coaching relationship to ensure mutual respect and understanding. - Define roles, responsibilities, and goals to create a structured framework for your coaching sessions. - Communicate openly about boundaries and address any issues that may arise to maintain a healthy and professional relationship.

If a person has been let down quite often the reason is linked with consistency, or more to the point inconsistency. Whether that is in what was promised vs delivered or the coaching itself. To rebuild trust, be consistent in your actions. Show up on time, keep your promises, and be a steady presence for your client. For example, if you commit to weekly check-ins, make sure you follow through every time. This reliability helps your client feel secure and know they can depend on you. The reason Uber grew as fast as it did was because it was clear and consistent in its communication. Even if a taxi was going to be an hour late, at least you knew that and could work around it as opposed to inconsistent communication which is frustrating

This empathetic approach can lead to a stronger, more trusting relationship with your clients. Trust is essential in any professional relationship, as it forms the foundation for open communication and collaboration. When clients trust that you truly understand and care about their experiences, they are more likely to be open and honest with you, leading to better outcomes and a more successful partnership.

Coaching by its nature is about empowering the client to take their journey into their own hands. Empower your client by guiding them to set their own goals and make decisions. For example, ask them to identify their priorities and create a plan. This fosters a sense of control and confidence, reinforcing trust and showing that you believe in their abilities.

Remember that rebuilding trust takes time. Be patient and allow the relationship to develop naturally. Continuously check in with your client about their comfort level and adjust your approach as needed. Always maintain professional integrity and prioritize your client's best interests. By demonstrating your commitment to their growth and well-being, you'll create a strong foundation for a trusting and productive coaching relationship.

Rebuilding trust and rapport with a coaching client who has been let down before requires consistent, empathetic communication and reliable follow-through. Begin by acknowledging their past experiences and validating their feelings. Establish clear, realistic expectations and make commitments you can keep, demonstrating reliability over time. Show genuine interest in their goals and progress, providing support and encouragement. By consistently showing integrity, transparency, and dedication to their success, you can gradually rebuild their trust and strengthen the coaching relationship.

A maioria dos meus clientes que chegam, já passaram por um processo no qual o fizeram desacreditar no processo. Agora é recuperar sua confiança! Começando um um guia de entrevista guiada, ouvindo ativamente suas frustrações, mostrando empatia e reconhecendo o problema. Compartilhando minha própria experiência, como quando deixei o mundo corporativo após 24 anos para seguir seu propósito no coaching, para criar uma conexão mais profunda. Estabelecendo expectativas claras para o processo, mostrando meu compromisso com a melhoria contínua. Fazendo acompanhamentos periódicos do progresso, demonstrando meu envolvimento e engajamento com o propósito dele. Isso ajuda a reconstruir a confiança e estabelecer um relacionamento sólido.

Establishing rapport and trust with a new coaching client takes time. Many times, misalignment of expectations creates frustration and breaks trust. As a coach, it's important to understand their previous experiences, frustrations and successes to ensure consistency in your interactions. As you continue to engage with the client, I have found that being clear in your approach in early conversations, clarifying expectations, setting clear boundaries and following through with commitments is key. Building trust where it has been broken may be harder, but it's possible to rebuild it.