When a client is unsure about their ability to achieve a goal, what approach should the coach take?

Encouraging self-reflection and personal strengths is a highly effective approach when a client is unsure about their ability to achieve a goal. This strategy promotes a supportive environment where the client feels safe to explore their feelings and concerns. By guiding the client to reflect on their past experiences, resources, and personal qualities, the coach helps to identify the inherent strengths they may have overlooked.

This process not only boosts the client’s confidence but also fosters a growth mindset, enabling them to view challenges as opportunities for learning and development. Self-reflection encourages the client to take ownership of their goals and recognize that they possess the capability to overcome obstacles, which is essential for sustaining motivation and commitment.

In contrast, discussing the consequences of not meeting goals may instill fear or anxiety, potentially demotivating the client. Providing direct advice can undermine the client’s autonomy and discourage their critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Challenging the client’s negativity directly might provoke resistance or defensiveness rather than promoting constructive dialogue. Encouraging self-reflection thus stands out as the most constructive and empowering approach in this scenario.