5 Strategies for Building trust in a coaching relationship

Aug 17, 2022

Here are all the techniques that you must know in order to build trust and confidence in a the coaching relationship.

Coaching is a potent tool, for personal and professional growth. In order to make it the most efficient, coaches must put a lot of emphasis on creating trust within the relationships with their clients. It allows the client to get the most out of each coaching session and feel comfortable disclosing sensitive details to someone they don't know very well.

What exactly is online coaching?

The norm is that coaches and clients typically meet weekly, or once or twice (or sometimes even every month) to talk about their progress, goals, and targets. Online coaching means clients and coaches meet online through mediums such as Skype, Google Hangouts, FaceTime, and Zoom. Although this is extremely convenient and easy to use, online coaching takes away the natural trust that builds by physical contact with another. That's why creating trust and confidence in relationships with coaches online is imperative - now more than ever!

The advantages of online coaching

Coaching online has numerous benefits. If you have the right guidance, clients can obtain the needed support to accomplish their goals without wasting time travelling to a coaching session or being constrained to only a short list of local coaches.

Remotely connecting is particularly important if the coach travels frequently or has another profession. Online coaching sessions allow for quick appointments that can prove extremely handy for someone needing urgent communication.

How to build trust in a coaching relationship

The ability to build trust with coaches is fundamental for a successful client experience. It's the foundation that all the other elements can be built. If it isn't there advancement can be compromised.

Below are some methods for building trust in relationship with coaches.

    Make sure you are dedicated to your customers    

The trust of clients depends on the capacity of the coach to prove their commitment. In the end, it's the job of the coach to ensure that their client's satisfaction and well-being. If they aren't fully committed to this cause, a coach may not be able to communicate with their clients as effectively as they would like, which could limit their ability to deliver a positive customer experience.

    Recognize problematic patterns    

Sometimes, although clients do trust the person on the other side of the screen, they still do not divulge issues essential for efficient coaching. It could be because of subconscious or conscious reasons. The coaches must try their best to assist their clients in improving their self-awareness and self-confidence in order to understand and recognize the root causes, which is crucial if they are looking to have the greatest possible outcomes.

Studies have been carried out regarding the importance of deciphering the root causes that affect someone significantly. In an Harvard Business Review article, it's imperative to track out the root cause of any negative patterns of behavior that hinder your chances of achieving desired outcomes.

HBR notes that the underlying causes may be difficult to pinpoint due to their complex and often obscured nature. In addition, trying to alter one's behavior without first addressing the root causes won't result in a long-term fix which is evident in an analysis of meta-analysis of idealistic mental states.

    Empathize    

Coaches can demonstrate empathy through a variety of ways, however, one of the most efficient is to ask questions. asking the client what they need or their feelings about an issue will help in building trust in coaching, and help the client feel more comfortable.

Also, it is important to consider the manner in which a coach talks matters just as much as the message being spoken. Therefore, a coach must ensure that their tone of voice is kind and warm. A stern or cold one will hinder their ability connect with clients. From a coach's perspective, using this method, it's best practice to  listen before you talk', unless you are asked to provide comments or suggestions.

    Reflect the style of the client    

Mirroring allows you to look more credible, respectful and appealing. If you mirror someone else's expressions it shows that you're really taking note of what they're saying. It's a great way to show them how they speak matters.

Mirroring comes with several advantages:

  • It makes it easier for coaches to create rapport with clients as they believe they're being taken care of and are understood.
  • It shows the ability to connect and empathy.

    Be passionate about something that you do in your daily everyday    

The method is easy and highly effective. If an instructor is very interested in something they are passionate about within their lives and they want to use that passion to leverage. It's not as difficult as it may sound. Others will notice and respond positively to the enthusiasm when someone is excited over things. People want to be around people who are driven and enthusiastic, joyful, and happy. People who are passionate inspire others as they radiate confidence and passion in their lives. It is extremely infectious!

The wrapping up