It’s not your job to do the work for your clients, but the way that you give coaching advice can make all the difference.
Hi, my name is Lilly Malardie, and I’m a Director of Training and Coach Development at Body Brain Alliance. I also have quite a few years in the behavior change coaching space.
Today, I want to walk you through three different strategies for effective coaching that will make all the difference in how you give feedback to clients to help them adhere to their new behaviors and goals and ultimately reach success.
Effective Coaching Strategy 1: Encourage and Support Autonomy
Understanding Client Autonomy
When you are working with clients, it’s normal for them to look at you as their coach and an expert. You probably have a wealth of knowledge and have built up your skill set in communication and effective planning over time. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you should give them all the answers.
Promoting Client Decision-Making
Even if there are similarities in what your clients are experiencing and what you have successfully overcome, you can integrate some of that relatedness in conversations while still understanding that your client is going to have a unique experience. Everyone feels differently, thinks differently, and approaches things differently. We want to treat each situation as unique and individual.
The Role of a Coach
As a coach, you are there to guide your clients and help them plan for obstacles while allowing them the space and opportunity to come up with their own solutions. This promotes long-term lasting change because when clients have a safe space to develop their own strategies, they take ownership of their success, leading to greater adherence to their new behaviors.
Effective Coaching Strategy 2: Ask Open-Ended Questions
The Importance of Open-Ended Questions
Open-ended questions are a crucial part of effective coaching. These questions start with “what,” “when,” “where,” “how,” and other such words that encourage clients to provide more information. This allows clients to share more about their experiences, obstacles, and successes, giving you a deeper understanding of their situation.
Examples of Open-Ended Questions
Instead of asking close-ended questions like “Did you do this?” or “Did you feel good about that?”, try asking questions like “How did your week go?” or “Tell me a little bit about how you overcame that obstacle.” This approach provides more comprehensive responses and insights, making it easier for you to assist your clients effectively.
Effective Coaching Strategy 3: Practice Active Listening
The Role of Active Listening
Active listening is about being fully present in the conversations you have with your clients. This means giving them your full, undivided attention, demonstrating that their time is valuable to you. This helps clients feel grounded, safe, and heard, building trust and encouraging them to open up.
Incorporating Reflections
Active listening also involves reflecting on what clients say. For example, if a client expresses frustration about not meeting a goal, you might respond with, “You feel really disappointed because that goal was important to you, and not having the resources made it harder to follow through.” This shows that you understand their feelings and are engaged in the conversation.
Benefits of Active Listening
By practicing active listening and reflections, you ensure that you and your client are on the same page. This helps in effectively planning the next steps and collaboratively working towards their goals.
Conclusion
All three of these strategies—encouraging autonomy, asking open-ended questions, and practicing active listening—set you up for giving effective coaching advice. You are actively listening, supporting their autonomy, and gathering information to make collaborative plans. This approach helps your clients reach their goals and engage in their behaviors more often.
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