Your coaching client is resistant to setting goals. How can you guide them towards progress in the sessions?

La résistance est naturelle et extrêmement fréquente. Allez l'explorer permet souvent de plonger dans le coeur du sujet avec plus de profondeur. Ainsi le client ou la cliente peut réellement prendre conscience de ses peurs limitantes, de ses croyances et de ses pilotes automatiques. Ainsi révélées, ces résistances deviennent de formidables leviers d'évolution.

I will listen carefully and pay attention to their concerns and reasons for resistance without judgment. This will help determine if fear of failure, past negative experiences, or uncertainty about the future which might be the underlying issue. I will show empathy by acknowledge their feelings and working with the client to identify their core values, passions through discussions and reflective exercises. I will encourage the client to take manageable steps, this allows changes and adjustments along the way, reducing the pressure of rigid goal setting. I will emphasize how goal-settings can contribute to their personal development and satisfaction. Lastly, I will conduct frequent, check-ins to discuss progress and any adjustments needed.

When a coaching client is resistant to setting goals, it's important to explore the reasons behind their resistance. One approach is to focus on building trust and understanding their values and motivations. Encouraging small, achievable steps can help them gain confidence in the goal-setting process. Reflective questioning can also be beneficial, allowing the client to consider the benefits of goal-setting and how it can align with their aspirations. Ultimately, patience and a non-judgmental approach can guide them towards recognizing the value of setting goals for their progress.

Resistance to setting goals often signals deeper concerns. Their resistance might stem from fear of failure, past setbacks, or uncertainty about the future. Understanding the root cause is crucial for addressing their hesitations. When you know the source of the resistance, you can connect goal-setting to their core values and aspirations, which can break through the barriers that have been holding them back.

When a coaching client resists setting goals, I start by exploring their fears and motivations, then break down goals into smaller, manageable steps to make them feel more achievable. I use positive reinforcement to encourage incremental progress and build their confidence.

Celebrating progress is crucial when setting goals, it builds resilience, and confidence. It's a boost for continued motivation and commitment. When progress is celebrated, it reinforces the behavior/s or the actions that led to the success of the goal. This positive loop of celebration creates the drive to continue to engage in positive behaviors. It makes the journey so much more exciting and successful and reminds someone of their "Why" and keeps their motivation moving forward and perhaps even reach higher.

At the start of every coaching relationship, there should be an initial discussion to explore ‘why’ the person wants to part take in the coaching / hiring you as a coach. This ‘why’ would support the motivation and speak to the transformation that you, as the coach can help them achieve. In order to do so, a combination of the points listed above should be discussed and considered in conjunction with their ‘why’ to address any potential fears or roadblocks.