As coaches, we’re familiar with the rewarding feeling when a client achieves their set goal. It’s the combination of hard work, dedication, and a shared journey towards success. But what about when things don’t go as planned? What happens when a client falls short of their goals?

I’ve experienced this scenario many times while working with individuals. It’s a moment of disappointment, both for them and for me as their coach. I am invested in their journey, and I can feel disappointed on their behalf.

In these moments, self-doubt can also creep in. Could I have coached them differently? Did I adequately manage their expectations? Were the actions we agreed upon too ambitious? And perhaps most concerning, does this setback affect their trust in me as their coach?

It’s natural to feel this way. Most of us in the coaching or career guidance profession are driven by a genuine desire to help others succeed. As a career coach we need to have the humility to be able to acknowledge when are challenged by a coaching scenario and ask for help from our fellow coaches and be reflective about our practice. And it is important to acknowledge that their can be many reasons why someone does not accomplish their goal. Perhaps external factors just mean that this was not possible or perhaps for some reason the client is holding themselves back. But how do we navigate these setbacks with our client?

Set Clear Expectations from the Start

One key strategy is setting clear expectations from the outset. Communication is crucial. Before diving into coaching sessions, it’s essential to outline what clients can expect from the process. This includes being transparent about the possibility of setbacks and challenges along the way. If you’re a private coach, honesty about the scope of your services is vital. Overselling your capabilities can lead to unmet expectations and dissatisfaction down the line.

If you follow the GROW model, during the “Way Forward” phase, inquire about potential obstacles clients foresee in achieving their goals. This proactive approach allows for early identification and mitigation of potential challenges.

Investigate and encourage reflection

When a client faces a setback, it is essential to investigate the root cause thoroughly. Clients may feel defeated and tend to catastrophise the situation, seeing it as a reflection of their abilities. Offering emotional support during challenging times is crucial. Let your clients know that it’s okay to feel disappointed and that you’re there to support them through their journey. Empathy and understanding can strengthen the coach-client relationship. Take time to unpack the exact point where things go off track provides valuable insights. Encourage reflection on the journey and identify key learnings gained from the experience. What worked well? What could have been done differently? Extracting insights from setbacks can pave the way for future success and personal growth. This data not only clarifies where development is needed but also informs our approach moving forward.

Adjust Strategies:

Based on the insights gained, collaborate with the client to develop new strategies and action plans. Adaptation is key to overcoming challenges and moving forward effectively. Encourage openness to trying new approaches and techniques. Perhaps assess if the agreed actions were too ambitious to begin with and whether the goal could be broken down into smaller steps with achievable milestones along the way. You could also use some visual progress charts so that you can both monitor the progress.

Empower the client to take ownership:

It is also important to ensure that the actions come from the client, and they have that agency. It could be the best idea in the world but if they did not suggest it there is a much higher likelihood they will not follow through with the action.

In conclusion, while it can be disappointing when clients do not reach their goals, it’s essential to approach these situations with empathy, resilience, and a commitment to growth. By reflecting on the journey, identifying learnings, and adjusting strategies accordingly, coaches can help clients navigate setbacks and emerge stronger and more determined than ever before. Remember, it’s not about the destination, but the journey of self-discovery and growth that truly matters.