A – Z Coaching and Mentoring – This week’s extract explores ‘Rapport’ and the importance of getting the balance right in coaching.
Rr
An important principle of rapport is pacing before leading. Pacing enables the coach to be client centred. Leading can be helpful if the client is in an un-resourceful state. If it would be helpful for a client to relax, the coach firstly need to enter their client’s state in some way, using their physiology. Maybe they are tapping their foot anxiously and are sat up straight, so the coach could sit up straight too and tap their finger quietly on the table to match the rhythm of their tapping foot. Subtlety is key, otherwise they will think the coach a bit odd or even rude and therefore resist efforts to engage. To test if they have established rapport, the coach will then change their physiology (maybe shift in their seat) and see if the client follows their lead. If they do, rapport is deepening, which will support the coaching relationship.
Taken from the A-Z Coaching Handbook by Clare Smale where you will find a comprehensive A-Z, plus a full list of references.
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