3 Challenges in the Coaching Relationship and How to Overcome Them

Great managers strive to do the right thing with their employees, treat them well, motivate them to succeed, and provide the support and guidance that each person needs. However, there are certain challenges that may arise during the coaching relationship. Dealing with defensiveness, insecurity, and mistrust are three of the most common issues that coaches face. In this article, we'll discuss how to overcome these challenges and ensure a successful coaching relationship.

Dealing with Defensiveness

When a coach is met with defensiveness from their client, it can be difficult to move forward.

One way to address this issue is to have the client do a 360-degree evaluation. This can provide more data points than just the coach's opinion and can help open the eyes of an unbeliever. If this doesn't work, it's best to move on.Another option is to explore the client's commitment level using a Likert scale question. This can help determine if the goal is the right one and if adjustments need to be made.

It can also help pressure the client into committing to the process.Dealing with InsecurityKnowledge and skill levels vary greatly between employees, especially between those who are new and those who have been in the job for a long time. Without knowing the person who is receiving training for an extended period of time or without following their daily work routines, it can be difficult to determine their exact skill gaps. This affects the personalization of development plans and ultimately their effectiveness.To overcome this challenge, coaches should create a structure for success. This could include using an acronym or framework as a guide for starting training conversations.

This will help ensure that both parties are on the same page and that everyone knows what is expected of them.

Dealing with Mistrust

The lack of responsibility in a coaching relationship is another common challenge that coaches face. To address this issue, executive coach Beth Armknecht Miller suggests managing common causes of frustration in a coaching relationship. Coaching is a partnership and when one party is constantly late for training conversations or ignores opinions and experiences, it can lead to mistrust.To prevent this from happening, it's important to set expectations early on in the process. This includes setting clear goals and objectives as well as establishing boundaries for communication.

It's also important to be consistent in your approach and follow through on commitments.Overall, dealing with defensiveness, insecurity, and mistrust are three of the most common challenges that coaches face during the coaching relationship. By taking proactive steps such as doing a 360-degree evaluation or creating a structure for success, coaches can ensure that these issues don't derail their progress.