The simplest coaching techniques are often the most effective.  If you can say what’s on your mind, you allow your clients to do the same.  In fact, if you are wondering something and don’t ask your client you are really ripping them off by staying shallow.  Some questions may have a taboo feeling, but unless you get to an emotional level of conversation you won’t be able to transform your coaching clients.  These techniques can help you get started.

Coaching Techniques To Rock The Boat

1.   When your clients don’t follow through on their commitments, call them on it.  Don’t step over anything.  Most people are afraid to do this with their friends because they want to be let off the hook when they don’t follow through, or they don’t want alienate their friends.  They don’t want to risk the friendship.  You might be the only one in their lives that is willing to take a stand for them.

2.   Use language that is outside the usual constraints of polite conversation.   Be willing to shock someone.  If you go too far, you can always backpedal, but you are looking to get an emotional response from your client.  Unless they feel the impact, they won’t be willing to make a change.

3.  Use metaphors that create an emotional vision.  One client was not taking action toward her goal to become a life coach and was caught up in reasons why she wasn’t able to do what she needed.   I had just come back from a vacation and the vision of how hard hotel maids work and don’t seem to get much, if any acknowledgment.  I used these coaching techniques with my client and told that she would be better off getting a steady job as a hotel maid.  She got very upset, but it shocked her enough for her to realize that if she wanted a great life it was going to take commitment.

Be Willing To Get Your Hands Dirty

If you are not more committed to your clients’ success than your own, you risk trying to look good and the best coaching techniques won’t be effective.  You have to be willing to wrestle in the emotional mud to create a breakthrough.

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Colette Seymann
JTS Advisors Designated Accountability Coach