How many times in your career have you found yourself not continuing to work with a client for some reason?
I have several such situations to my credit, and although they were difficult for each party, I know I did the right thing. Why? After all, it’s my job, which gives me a certain income each month.
Apparently so, but even the most effective coach is not a cure-all that will “heal” everyone who uses it. Besides, it’s a shame to waste the client’s and coach’s time on ineffective sessions that don’t bring you closer to your goal and are a source of frustration instead of motivation for change. Of course, in the situation and people who require psychological support, they should be offered professional help from a psychiatrist or psychotherapist. Therefore, each such case should be treated individually and with due vigilance, and any doubts should be consulted with your supervisor or a friendly psychologist – it is worth looking for someone like this in your area.
Here are 5 behaviors that should make you think twice about continuing a particular relationship:
1. a customer who does not listen
It is difficult to relate to him, he is deaf to the arguments of others, and even more so to criticism, unless it is the same as his view of himself.
2. customer who looks for blame outside
In every difficult situation, he looks for fault in others, and always has an explanation that the problem lies with the team, the bosses, in the lack of resources or tools.
Both cases are characterized by a lack of self-awareness, and without it coaching will not be effective. In order for it to make sense, the coachee must become aware of how her action affects others, perceive the reality of the situation and what it means for everyone around her.
3. customer who does not have time
He constantly reschedules appointments, is late or cancels at the last minute. Once he gets to the session, he is absent anyway.
Lack of time for coaching is an irrefutable argument for not participating in it. Coaching can’t be done without effort or opportunity. It’s a process and constant work to develop one’s thinking, skills and habits. Without prioritizing this, it will be impossible to get to a higher level of self-development.
4. customer who does not change beliefs
The role of the coach is not to give answers, but to support in discovering the reasons why the client behaves or acts the way he does. This is the only way to challenge certain beliefs that block development. If encouraging self-reflection does not work and the client is unable to accept the process, coaching is pointless.
5. client who treats coaching as a punishment
He constantly questions the point of the meetings and lets it be known that this form of cooperation does not suit him.
Of course, you can always try to convince someone that coaching is an investment in development and a chance to succeed. Presenting the positives may prove to be a breakthrough moment, but if that doesn’t work, applying pressure is pointless. Coaching is a process that requires determination and a genuine desire to change. If this is not there, it loses its raison d’être.
Coaching relationships can vary. However, if you encounter resistance or see no chance of making changes, and working together proves to be a gigantic challenge – sometimes it’s better to let go. Despite the lost revenue. Coaching, by definition, is a partnership relationship – if it is based only on your commitment, it will not produce results, and may even shake confidence in yourself, in your skills, and instead of developing the client, it will harm the quality of your work.
