Resistance

A – Z Coaching and Mentoring – This week’s extract outlines ‘Resistance’ – the ways it can present itself along with ways in which resistance to coaching can be overcome.

Don’t forget if you have a special request for a definition of a coaching term or principle, just let us know! Perfect for anyone studying for an ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualification, or as a refresher for experienced coaches.

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Resistance is more likely to present itself where coaching has been suggested or imposed, rather than where someone has requested a coach and is therefore more likely to fully engaged in the ethos and process. Some factors that create resistance include:

• Limiting beliefs
• Fear
• Old habits and patterns
• Ignorance

Resistance from a client during coaching may present itself in the following ways:

• Getting stuck or presenting barriers
• Ambivalence, sulkiness or reluctance to take action
• Opposition to conscious thought about the goal or problem
• Becoming angry or defensive
• Seeking clarity, suggestions or advice
• Diverting the conversation with unnecessary detail or over-long stories
• Asking the coach questions to divert the focus of attention from themselves
• Reluctance to engage with feelings or emotion
• Failing to complete agreed actions
• Repeated re-scheduling or cancellation of appointments

Some argue that resistance is a sign that the coach has failed to establish rapport with the client, so this could be a potential area for improvement. Here are some other ways in which resistance to coaching can be overcome, both with individuals and across organisations:

• Explain what coaching is and what it isn’t – a better understanding of the process
• Present the benefits, including measurable return on investment and research findings
• Use coaching for high performers as well as for addressing problems
• Create a clear induction or contracting process
• Clarify confidentiality
• Help a client to notice their resistance and as the coach remain non-judgemental
• Ask Socratic questions

Taken from the A-Z Coaching Handbook by Clare Smale where you will find a comprehensive A-Z, plus a full list of references.