YOU INDUCE THE WRONG STATES

The next item on the list of things that could go wrong is: “You induce the wrong states.” This can occur by what you specifically do or by what you fail to do. As you know, one of the essential skills of a Meta-Coach is state induction. And what states? The feedback form offers some of the most basic states that you want as a coach to induce— rapport, compassion, trust, curiosity, openness, and learning.

What are some of the common states that are often induced which are counter-productive for coaching? The answer is frustration, irritation, pressure, controlled. And what triggers the frustration or irritation? Clients complain that the coach seems disconnected, not paying attention, or not really listening. For feeling pressured or controlled, clients say that the coach may be pushing too hard, confronting in a way that feels aggressive, or asking for responses that seem disconnected to their goals. Sometimes the wrong state in the client is the state wherein a client feels that the coaching isn’t working, isn’t going anywhere, and the client doesn’t see any evidence of change— discouraged, skeptical.