The Situation:
“My client showed up to coaching saying they feel jittery and unsettled. Their organization is rolling out new technology, and processes they relied on are shifting daily. They’re juggling urgent demands, a stressed-out team, and a revolving door of new hires that need to be onboarded and trained. The pace of change feels relentless, and they are constantly behind. They want to advocate for themselves and their team, but they observe that senior leadership is highly distracted. How do I support them?”
Response
Your client is navigating turbulent change and feeling seek is already within them. Your role as a coach is not to provide answers but to create a space where they can uncover their own wisdom.
By asking thoughtful, intentional questions, you can guide them toward clarity, confidence and direction. Great coaching isn’t about solving issues for another; it’s about empowering others.
Start by acknowledging their experience. When someone feels truly seen and heard, the weight they carry can feel lighter. Ask questions like, “How are you feeling about everything happening right now?” or “What has been the hardest part of this for you?” These questions invite them to name their emotions and reflect on their struggles, laying the foundation for understanding and growth.
Next, help them cut through the noise and clarify their priorities. In the chaos of change, it’s easy to lose sight of what matters most. Ask, “What feels most important to focus on right now?” or “What would success look like for you in this situation?” These questions encourage them to identify what’s essential and align their energy with their values.
Empower them to advocate for themselves and their team. Ask, “What do you think your team needs most from leadership right now?” or “If you could speak directly to senior leadership, what would you say?” These questions help them find their voice, articulate their needs, and strategize how to communicate effectively.
Support their resilience by exploring self-care and boundaries. Questions like, “How are you taking care of yourself during this time?” or “What helps you feel grounded when things feel overwhelming?” help to remind them that their well-being is not a luxury — it’s a necessity.
Finally, encourage them to leverage their support network and take actionable steps forward. Ask, “Who in your network could you lean on for advice or support?” or “What’s one thing you can control or influence right now?” These questions shift their focus from feeling stuck to regaining agency.
If they respond with, “I don’t know,” give them the space to pause and reflect. Trust the process and their ability to find their way forward. Help them identify next steps and hold them accountable in a way that feels supportive. Great coaching is about creating clarity, fostering confidence and empowering action.
Read the whole article HERE
Published in, and reproduced with permission from, choice, the magazine of professional coaching www.choice-online.com