What do you do if your problem solving skills are hindering the client-coach relationship in Life Coaching?

Picture this: You're deep in a session, unleashing your best advice, when you notice your client's eyes glazing over like a fresh batch of doughnuts. That's your cue. I remember once telling a client, in my most sagely tone, that "The solution isn't always where you expect; sometimes, it's where you least want to look — like the last place you'd search for your glasses is atop your head!" The humor lightened the mood, but the message was clear: I needed to stop assuming and start listening. Recognizing that your approach might be the issue is the first step towards realignment.

Ever heard the saying, "Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime"? Well, in coaching, it's more about teaching someone to realize they already know how to fish; they just need to remember where they put their fishing rod. Empowering your client means stepping back and allowing them to lead the way to their own insights. It's about sparking that "Aha!" moment where they discover the guru has been inside them all along.

The client is the expert in their own life! The solution they require is unique to them and your job as a coach is to be curious. Ask open questions that will get the client to think in a new way about their issue, access their own resources and empower them to formulate their own, best solution for their particular problem.

A way of doing this is to first look at your client as totally capable of solving their issue. Understanding that more than solving the problem for them, how can you best help them tap into their own knowledge and wisdom to solve for themselves is what a good coach does. When you believe that the client is capable of it, as a coach it's to then make the client believe in their own potential.

If your problem-solving abilities are causing issues in your relationship with clients during Life Coaching, it's crucial to take a moment to reflect on the situation. Assess whether you're approaching coaching sessions with a problem-solving mindset, rather than empowering clients to discover their own solutions. Take time to learn about various coaching methods that prioritize facilitating and empowering clients, rather than simply solving their problems. This may involve attending workshops, reading up on coaching best practices, or seeking advice from seasoned coaches. Lastly, be receptive to feedback from clients and colleagues about your coaching approach, using it as an opportunity for growth and improvement.