Your client is feeling frustrated during coaching. How can you maintain rapport and help them progress?

Identify frustration signs early so you can address issues before they escalate. Common causes of frustration - Unmet Expectations, lack of progress and feeling Misunderstood. Maintain rapport by encouraging open communication, being empathetic, supportive, and making sure your clients feel heard and understood. Break down their goals into smaller, achievable tasks and celebrate each milestone they reach to provide a sense of accomplishment. Adapt your coaching style to meet their individual needs. Ask your clients about their preferred coaching style (structured, flexible or collaborative style) and adjust your approach accordingly. This shows that you are attentive and committed to helping them succeed.

First, I check in with the client and provide feedback, sharing my observation that they seem to be feeling frustrated. If they confirm this, I ask what has caused their frustration. Then, I ask what we need to do to help them feel that we are on the right track. I review where they currently stand in relation to their goals and what needs to change in our sessions to help them progress. Additionally, I inquire about the resources they have and what motivates them, asking questions to help them visualize what they want to achieve. These conversations help address the client's concerns and implement necessary changes to improve the sessions and achieve their goals.

Actively listen to the client without interruption, judgement. Once the client has vented out all the frustration anchor the client. lead the through open ended questions and keep showing an understanding by paraphrasing the clients statement which helps in showing that as a coach you understand the issues and the causes for frustration. This helps in building trust which is an important aspect to allow the client to speak at free will and peal the layers that will lead to the root cause. once the root cause is identified reaching a positive solution will be easy. Before ending the session with the client it is important to teach them techniques to calm down when the feelings of frustration arise through some breathing exercises.

When a client is feeling frustrated during the coaching process, I will encourage a chat session between us to understand where the feeling of frustration is coming from. Once we have an idea of what is causing the feeling of frustration, the client is able to do two things: 1. Acknowledge the feeling and more importantly, understand that this is part of the process of discovering oneself. 2. Identify manageable steps and actions for the client to work through the feeling of frustration. Taking these two steps helps the client to feel in control again of their coaching journey.

Having insight into your client’s learning style and processing can be really effective when working through the goal setting process. Knowing whether the client works better with small chunks or large asks will be helpful when addressing expectations of setting goals and meeting timelines.

If your client is feeling frustrated it's important to help them clarity and set goals that will help them move past the frustration with a renewed sense of direction.As part of this process it's also important to understand what led to the original feelings of frustration and make any modifications or adjustments to those goals to avoid similar situations going forward.

Here are 3 tips to help you set goals : 1- Define your goals: - You have to get clear on what you want - List your what you no longer want and then, list what you want and your objectives - List the reasons why you want to achieve those objectives ? (This will motivate you more) 2- Action plan: - List the steps that you will take - What and who will help you? - In much time do you want to achieve it? 3- Take action: - Start with little steps (if your goal is to wake up an hour earlier, start by waking up 5 minutes earlier) - Stay consistent, it will not happen overnight, so, you have to keep working on yourself

Häufig verstecken sich Ziele hinter Problemen wie die zweite Seite der Medaille. Wer sich sehr intensiv mit einem Problem beschäftigt und es analysiert, den lässt dieses Problem nicht weiter schauen. Leitet man jedoch einen Perspektivenwechsel an, so lässt sich die Rückseite des Problems als Lösung wahrnehmen und kann so zu einer Zielvorstellung gelangen. Häufig gelingt dieser Perspektivenwechsel, indem man sich eine gelungene Zukunft vorstellt in der das Problem bereits gelöst ist. Diese lässt erkennen wie das Ziel aussieht, welches zur gelungenen Zukunft geführt hat. Dieses attraktive Bild der Lösung kann Ziele sehr anziehend machen und Frustration in Motivation verwandeln.

Always keep in mind that your job as the coach is to ask the questions that provide the exploration for your client to define their own goals. You, as the coach, cannot set the goals for the client or the client will have no investment in obtaining them. Remember that it is their goals, and the coach’s job is to support them even if they don’t agree with them.

As coaches, we shouldn’t take it upon ourselves to desperately fix frustration by adjusting our coaching style or trying to make everything right for our clients. Frustration is a natural part of the coaching process, and we need to learn how to address it effectively and make it a point where our clients can learn something about themselves. Start by identifying what exactly they are frustrated about and dive deeper until you both understand what is beneath this feeling. Then, support the client in exploring whether the same behavior pattern is evident in other areas of their lives. This technique opens up a space to really observe what is happening for the client when they feel frustrated.

While reflection is essential, it is important to watch for rumination. Reflection is a learning tool, rumination is becoming stuck on what happened in the past wishing for it to change. In reflection, the goal should always be to see it, acknowledge it, learn from it, then let it go.

Reflection brings in awareness and acceptance. So it is absolutely important to have the client go through deep long reflection exercises

Wenn mein Klient frustriert ist, ermutige ich ihn, mal kurz innezuhalten und über seinen Weg nachzudenken. Oft erkennt man dabei, wie weit man schon gekommen ist. Ich lasse ihn zurückblicken, wo er angefangen hat und welche Fortschritte er seitdem gemacht hat. Auch wenn der Weg holprig war, zeigt sich dabei, dass er stetig vorankommt. Ich frage ihn, was er seinem „Vergangenheits-Ich“ jetzt raten würde. Das bringt oft überraschende Einsichten und zeigt, dass er schon viel schlauer und stärker geworden ist, als er selbst glaubt. Diese Reflexion lindert nicht nur Frustration, sondern stärkt auch die Selbstwahrnehmung. Mega entscheidend für persönliches Wachstum.

Self-reflection is a powerful tool for personal growth and is supported by various psychological theories, including Kolb's experiential learning cycle. Encouraging clients to reflect on their experiences helps them gain insights into their behaviors and thought patterns. Techniques such as journaling or guided questioning can facilitate this process. Research indicates that self-reflection enhances learning and problem-solving abilities, as it allows individuals to connect their experiences with their emotions and thoughts. By fostering a habit of self-reflection, you help clients develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of their motivations, ultimately leading to more effective strategies for overcoming challenges.

Often what a client needs even more than solutions or answers is support. Clients may need to vent their frustrations to release any underlying emotional charge or just feel seen and heard which can help them process the frustration. By processing the emotions they can create space to think more clearly and feel less overwhelmed and frustrated. Listening and holding space is the heart of an effective relationship and that doesn't change when a client is frustrated so be there for them and let them convey what they need from you.

Ein Coach kann immer nur so gut sein wie der Kunde offen ist für Veränderung. Meiner Erfahrung nach ist der tiefste Grund dafür das es im Coaching stoppt oder verzögert, wenn der Kunde nicht offen ist für Veränderung, weil ihm die Veränderung Angst macht und weil er nicht genügend Selbstliebe besitzt um aus diesem Sicherheitsgefühl heraus die nächsten Schritte zu gehen. Daher setze ich dann genau dort an und arbeite zunächst mit meinem Kunden an seiner Selbstliebe. Aus meiner 10 jährigen Coaching Erfahrung ist das die Basis für wirkliche Veränderung und allen Handelns.

Consistently available support is key. In my experience this enhances trust between coach and client which can enable clients to feel (more) safe when dealing with difficult emotions. Creating a space where the acknowledgement and acceptance of emotions is normalised, and developing vocabulary for exploring them helps clients 'be' with their feelings, rather than tending to avoid them or push them away.

Providing consistent support is essential for fostering resilience in clients. The concept of social support in psychology highlights that emotional and instrumental support can significantly impact an individual's ability to cope with stress and frustration. By being available and responsive to your client's needs, you create a safety net that encourages them to take risks and face challenges. Techniques such as active listening, offering encouragement, and providing constructive feedback can enhance their sense of security. Research shows that clients who perceive their coaches as supportive are more likely to experience positive outcomes, as they feel empowered to explore their vulnerabilities and work through obstacles.

I let my custs contact me between sessions if they need help or have questions. It’s important not to let them on their own, especially in the beginning when they don’t really know a lot about coaching and what to expect, what to do between sessions… I give them some little things to do before the next session, so they can still do their “coaching” on their own and become stronger and stronger, this way they realize THEY have all the keys for their own happiness/problem solving.

Jeder ist einzigartig. Flexibilität ist hier der Schlüssel. Offen sein, neue Ansätze auszuprobieren, sei es bei der Zielsetzung, der Häufigkeit der Sitzungen oder dem Coaching-Schwerpunkt. Ich biete meinem Klienten an, einen „Jokertag“ einzulegen. An diesem Tag bestimmt er das komplette Coaching-Thema, völlig abseits der bisherigen Strategie. Das gibt ihm die Kontrolle zurück und kann neue, unerwartete Wege öffnen. Diese Anpassungsfähigkeit zeigt, dass ich wirklich an seinem Erfolg interessiert und bereit bin, den Kurs zu ändern, wenn nötig.

PIVOT- We must always see the potential in doing something differently. Pivot is essential when our clients feel stuck. Whether that is adjusting our approach to a problem , seeking out a new goal, trying new things or looking at things from a different perspective. There is a world of coaching tools now for us to experiment with m. There is no better time than real time with clients who have real problems - for us as coaches to try new strategies. Is important to always have many tools to choose from. We ask our clients to see things differently so we must practice what we preach and try things differently .

When a client is frustrated, first check if they are coachable by assessing their openness to feedback and willingness to change. Ask reflective questions to understand the root of their frustration—whether it’s internal (self-doubt) or external (work challenges). Adapt your style by being empathetic, offering more support, and allowing them space to express emotions. Use active listening to validate their feelings, then shift the focus to solutions and actionable steps. Balance accountability with compassion, ensuring the pace and approach match their emotional state to keep the coaching productive.

As a coach one has to always pivot and change strategies because no two people are same. I use the 25 DR - 25 Days Rule with every client where if we see there are no results and the client is resistant to the framework and strategy I’m using I will pivot and go the other path to be able to help the client get themselves out of their own way. The biggest challenge always is to come to a place where they become aware and accept that their needs to be a change. Only then we can start working towards that change. Without complete acceptance, no frameworks will help.

Strategien anzupassen ist eine wichtige Fähigkeit für Coaches. Natürlich ist es relevant, Methoden und Strategien zu kennen und sie auch anwenden zu können, dennoch ist es mindestens so wichtig flexibel zu bleiben. Wenn eine Methode nicht funktioniert, so kann das an unzähligen Faktoren liegen. Ein Coach, der als Begleiter am Weg seine Fähigkeiten zur Verfügung stellt, erkennt, wenn sich Bedürfnisse an das Coaching ändern oder Ziele gegebenenfalls angepasst werden müssen.

Stop waiting for the ‘big win’ to celebrate. Micro-successes are the stepping stones to massive achievements. Recognize them, amplify them, and use them as fuel for more. Celebrating small wins isn’t just motivational fluff; it’s neuroscience. It creates a dopamine hit that reinforces positive behavior and keeps the momentum going. Don’t just acknowledge success—magnify it

Learning to appreciate even the most minute progress is one of the tenets I preach to my clients. That's how to build momentum for the bigger wins. Feel better after a session? Reflect and celebrate. Started something new? Reflect and celebrate. Only a matter of time before your big break happens.

Every habit formation and change of patterns can be shifted with changing the habit loop. 3 main elements of which are 1. Cue - the trigger that causes the behavior 2. Routine - The behavior itself and its repetition 3. Reward - The positive enforcement that follows the behaviour If we celebrate success on the change of the routine which is change of the patterns it can lead to a shift in the habit loop and we can achieve the results faster.

Erfolge feiern bedeutet zunächst einmal etwas als Erfolg wahrzunehmen. Anfangs stelle ich mich als Coach zur Verfügung um Erfolge als solche aufzuzeigen, um meinen KlientInnen ein Gefühl dafür zu geben, was Erfolge ausmachen kann. In weiterer Folge ermutige ich die KlientInnen ihre eigenen Erfolge zu identifizieren und als solche zu benennen. Auch die Fähigkeit Erfolge zu feiern ist erlernbar. Der Coaching-Prozess darf auch Lern-Begleitung sein. Jedenfalls mitfeiern :)