Coaching is a two-way street. The coach provides useful advice and data, and the client needs to act on that information along with guidelines that the coach designs to benefit the client specifically. Unfortunately, not every client who signs up for a coaching engagement is ready to take the necessary steps to ensure success.
This unpreparedness could be a double-edged sword for a coach since their reputation may suffer if they fail to deliver. Spotting clients that aren't ready for their coaching engagements can help limit the chance of failure. To help, 12 contributors to Forbes Coaches Council point out some of the telltale signs of clients that aren't ready to commit to a coaching process.
Members explain how to tell that a prospective client isn't ready for a coaching engagement.
Photos courtesy of the individual members.1. Shutting Down And Refusing To Share
In my experience, when a client is not ready, he or she tends to shut down and refuses to share. The client wants to blame everyone else and not be open to discussions, even if the discussion is based on facts such as business metrics. A client can also remain stubborn and not receptive to certain recommendations. In these cases, sometimes it is better to pause the relationship with the client. - Emily Letran, Exceptional Leverage Inc.
2. Open Hostility And Not Responding
A client needs to be coachable to benefit from a coaching engagement. Lack of interest can take many forms including obvious signs such as open hostility or not responding in coaching conversations. Other signs are delayed meetings, deflecting blame, justifying their actions, making statements instead of asking questions or working to convince their coach how great they are. - Kimberly Janson , Janson Associates, LLC
3. Avoiding Eye Contact
If a client is not engaged in your conversation and curiously asking for more information, that usually could be an initial sign that they are not ready or open. Avoiding eye contact during in-person meetings is another sign. Putting off the request of a follow-up step is another sign that you haven't been able to get them interested in what you have to offer. - Kiran Mann, M2M Business Solutions Inc.
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4. Playing The Blame Game
A closed and fixed view of the world and their circumstances is a clear sign, along with not being willing to reflect or talk about themselves and their experiences. Persistently blaming others or being stuck in "victim" mode, helpless and unwilling to be responsible. In contrast, knowing it all and not being willing to consider other options or viewpoints are other signs. Finally, not showing up for sessions! - Mary Gregory, Mary Gregory Ltd
5. Focusing On External Factors
Client readiness is key to a coaching relationship. A few signs a client may not be ready for a coaching relationship is a focus on external factors and not seeing how they contributed or may be able to influence the situation. This alone is not something that cannot be overcome, however, you will want to establish that coaching can only impact the coachee. Or when therapy may be needed. - Natalie McVeigh , EisnerAmper
6. Asking For A Trial Commitment
Identifying client apprehension entails spotting their subtle, and not subtle, tells. Here are my top three. One, the client wants a trial commitment. Two, scheduling follow-up conversations is an exercise in resilience. Three, the intro connection lacks presence and depth. If the engagement proceeds, apprehension will likely continue. Knowing when to fold is critical in the coaching game. - Craig Wiley, Transcend
7. Lack Of Accountability
A key sign that a client is not ready for coaching is a lack of accountability. Instead of owning their contributions to the issues they are encountering, a client may place the blame elsewhere. Without a true commitment to being open to feedback, developing self-awareness, accepting responsibility, and regulating oneself; a client cannot be truly ready for an effective coaching experience. - Kimberly A. Ferguson, K-Ferg Training
8. Having A Problem For Every Solution
When a client has a problem for every solution, they are often not ready to grow and therefore, not ready for coaching. A client's reaction to suggested solutions is a great indicator of how open they are. - Krystal Yates, EBR Consulting LLC
9. Lack Of Excitement And Commitment
If the fire and excitement to learn, but most importantly the commitment and progress are missing, and you have to constantly push for the next appointment although having a system in place, and content is easily forgotten and email summaries are not opened, it is an uphill battle not worth either your time. Coaching is a two-way, mutually enriching experience and not a dead-end street. Be choosy. - Sharesz T. Wilkinson, The Speech Improvement Company
10. Making Excuses Repeatedly
When they start making excuses like, "maybe later" or "I'll check with my spouse" is a clear red flag. Sometimes, they need to be nudged but sometimes, they need to have their "Road to Damascus" moment at their own timing when they're ready. - adrian choo, Career Agility International
11. Unwillingness To Pivot
First, they must be self-aware but secondly, they must be willing to pivot to others' needs and motivations. Five-star leaders are open to feedback and understand 100% it isn't about them but about others. Bottom line: You are coachable when you not only see yourself in the mirror, own your strengths, but remain open, willing to pivot for the greater good. They have to be ready to lean in. - Shelley Smith, Premier Rapport
12. Wanting To Be Sold On Your Services
A clear sign that a client is not ready is when they want you to sell them on your services. They usually ask, "So, tell me why I should choose you as a coach?" This tells me they have not figured out what they want from the coaching relationship. It says they're looking for someone to "solve" their issue for them. And it says they're not ready for the investment because they're shopping around. - Carol Parker Walsh, Carol Parker Walsh Consulting, LLC
