Your client is disconnected during coaching. How can you reignite their motivation?

Exploring the disconnection the client is experiencing is the place to start. What's going on for the client? How are they feeling? What's their experience? Using open questions like these helps elicit the client's view, and therefore helps both client and coach learn more about the client, and the relationship between coach and client. This information may help determine the path forward. It may also have the effect of strengthening the relationship of trust between coach and client.

Disconnecting has links to having given up, no longer seeing possibility, hiding or even numbing pain. In Ontological Coaching, working with the BEL model (body, emotions, language), I would observe and take my cues from these aspects, to create what we call a "breakdown" (essentially an opening) about how they're showing up as disconnected. Then work with all these aspects to move them safely through opening up. Clients can even hide behind words. It's our job to listen "for" and not just "to". Getting them to connect with their physicality, through describing the physical sensations in their bodies when they're in various emotional states, becomes a doorway to verbal expression of what they're feeling. It's a finely guided process no less

Voici comment je ravive leur motivation : • Réévaluer les objectifs : Je les invite à revisiter leurs objectifs pour m’assurer qu’ils sont toujours alignés avec leurs aspirations actuelles. • Changer l’approche : J’introduis de nouvelles techniques ou activités pour rendre les séances plus engageantes et dynamiques. • Se concentrer sur les victoires : Nous explorons les progrès réalisés, même les petites victoires, pour raviver un sentiment d’accomplissement. • Micro-actions motivantes : Je leur propose de petits défis réalisables pour regagner de la confiance et de la motivation. • Dialogue ouvert : J’ouvre une discussion pour comprendre leur baisse de motivation et ajuster le processus.

Comment je ravive leur motivation : • Réévaluer les objectifs : Je prends le temps de revoir les objectifs avec eux pour m’assurer qu’ils sont toujours alignés avec leurs aspirations actuelles. • Changer l’approche : J’introduis de nouvelles méthodes ou activités interactives pour rendre les séances plus engageantes et dynamiques. • Focus sur les petites victoires : Je les aide à reconnaître leurs progrès, même minimes, pour raviver leur sentiment d’accomplissement. • Micro-actions motivantes : Je propose des tâches simples et rapides à réaliser, afin de restaurer leur confiance et de les remettre en mouvement. • Dialogue ouvert : J’ouvre une discussion pour comprendre ce qui les freine et ajuster le coaching en fonction de leurs besoins.

To reignite your client's motivation, begin by rebuilding trust. Open a dialogue that allows them to express their concerns and feelings without judgment. Show empathy by validating their emotions and demonstrating that their struggles are part of the process. When clients feel heard and understood, they become more open to reconnecting with the coaching journey. Reestablishing trust lays the foundation for motivation, as clients need to feel safe and supported to move forward.

Clients may lose motivation when they feel disconnected from their goals. Empower your client by giving them more autonomy in their decision-making process. Encourage them to take ownership of their choices by collaborating on next steps, instead of simply following instructions. This active role in their journey gives them a sense of control, which can re-energize their motivation and engagement. When clients feel like partners in their own development, they are more committed to the outcomes.

Motivation can wane when progress feels stagnant. Help your client see their achievements by reflecting on the growth they’ve made so far. Break down their journey into smaller, measurable milestones, and celebrate these successes. Highlighting even the smallest wins reinforces their belief in the process and their ability to succeed. This reflection not only boosts their confidence but also reminds them of the value in their efforts, reigniting their motivation to continue forward.